Methods and materials for producing 5 and 7-carbon monomers

ABSTRACT

This document describes biochemical pathways for biosynthesizing a 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA intermediate using a β-ketothiolase, and enzymatically converting 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid. —7-hydroxyheptanoic acid can be further enzymatically converted to pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine or 1,7-heptanediol. This document also describes recombinant hosts producing 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid as well as pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine and 1,7-heptanediol.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/373,493, filed Apr. 2, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/348,370, filed Nov. 10, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/255,303, filed Nov. 13, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been filed electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Dec. 22, 2016, is named 12444_0617-00000_SL.txt and is 212,419 bytes in size.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention provides materials and methods for biosynthesizing 5 carbon and 7 carbon monomers. For example, the invention provides 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase, and enzymatically converting 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid using one or more of an isolated 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and a thioesterase, or using host having at least one exogenous nucleic acid capable of making one or more of such enzymes. This invention also provides methods for converting 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid to one or more of pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, and 1,7-heptanediol using one or more isolated enzymes such as dehydrogenases, reductases, hydratases, thioesterases, monooxygenases, and transaminases or using host cells expressing one or more such enzymes.

BACKGROUND

Nylons are polyamides which are generally synthesized by the condensation polymerization of a diamine with a dicarboxylic acid. Similarly, Nylons also may be produced by the condensation polymerization of lactams. Nylon 7 is produced by polymerisation of 7-aminoheptanoic acid, whereas Nylon 7,7 is produced by condensation polymerisation of pimelic acid and heptamethylenediamine. No economically viable petrochemical routes exist for producing the monomers for Nylon 7 and Nylon 7,7.

Given that there are no economically viable petrochemical monomer feedstocks, biotechnology offers an alternative approach via biocatalysis. Biocatalysis is the use of biological catalysts, such as enzymes, to perform biochemical transformations of chemical compounds.

Both bioderived feedstocks and petrochemical feedstocks can be viable starting materials for the biocatalysis processes.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, against this background, it is clear that there is a need for sustainable methods for producing one or more of pimelic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, and 1,7-heptanediol or derivatives thereof, wherein the methods are biocatalyst based. This document is based at least in part on the discovery that it is possible to construct biochemical pathways for using, inter alia, a β-ketothiolase to produce, for example, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, which can be converted in one or more enzymatic steps to pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol. “Pimelic acid” and “pimelate,” “7-hydroxyheptanoic acid” and “7-hydroxyheptanoate,” and “7-aminoheptanoic acid” and “7-aminoheptanoate” are used interchangeably herein to refer to the compound in any of its neutral or ionized forms, including any salt forms thereof. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the specific form will depend on inter alia pH.

For compounds containing carboxylic acid groups such as organic monoacids, hydroxyacids, aminoacids and dicarboxylic acids, these compounds may be formed or converted to their ionic salt form when an acidic proton present in the parent compound either is replaced by a metal ion, e.g., an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminum ion; or coordinates with an organic base. Acceptable organic bases include ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, N-methylglucamine, and the like. Acceptable inorganic bases include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and the like. The salt can be isolated as is from the system as the salt or converted to the free acid by reducing the pH to below the pKa through addition of acid or treatment with an acidic ion exchange resin.

For compounds containing amine groups such as but not limited to organic amines, aminoacids and diamine, these compounds may be formed or converted to their ionic salt form by addition of an acidic proton to the amine to form the ammonium salt, formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; or formed with organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, cyclopentanepropionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, 3-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 4-methylbicyclo-[2.2.2]oct-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid, glucoheptonic acid, 4,4′-methylenebis-(3-hydroxy-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid), 3-phenylpropionic acid, trimethylacetic acid, tertiary butylacetic acid, lauryl sulfuric acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, salicylic acid, stearic acid or muconic acid. Acceptable inorganic bases are known in the art and include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and the like. The salt can be isolated as is from the system as a salt or converted to the free amine by raising the pH to above the pKb through addition of base or treatment with a basic ion exchange resin.

For compounds containing both amine groups and carboxylic acid groups such as but not limited to aminoacids, these compounds may be formed or converted to their ionic salt form by either 1) acid addition salts, formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; or formed with organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, cyclopentanepropionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, 3-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 4-methylbicyclo-[2.2.2]oct-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid, glucoheptonic acid, 4,4′-methylenebis-(3-hydroxy-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid), 3-phenylpropionic acid, trimethylacetic acid, tertiary butylacetic acid, lauryl sulfuric acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, salicylic acid, stearic acid, muconic acid Acceptable inorganic bases include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and the like or 2) when an acidic proton present in the parent compound either is replaced by a metal ion, e.g., an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminum ion; or coordinates with an organic base. Acceptable organic bases are known in the art and include ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, N-methylglucamine, and the like. Acceptable inorganic bases are known in the art and include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and the like. The salt can be isolated as is from the system or converted to the free acid by reducing the pH to below the pKa through addition of acid or treatment with an acidic ion exchange resin.

In the face of the optimality principle, it surprisingly has been discovered that appropriate non-natural metabolic pathways, feedstocks, cells (hosts or microorganisms), attenuation(s) to a cell's biochemical network, and/or cultivation strategies may be combined to efficiently produce 7-hydroxyheptanoate as a C7 (7-carbon) building block, or convert 7-hydroxyheptanoate to other C7 building blocks such as pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol.

In some embodiments, a terminal carboxyl group can be enzymatically formed using a thioesterase, an aldehyde dehydrogenase, a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, or a monooxgenase (e.g., in combination with an oxidoreductase and ferredoxin). See FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, a terminal amine group can be enzymatically formed using a ω-transaminase or a deacylase. See FIG. 4. The ω-transaminase can have at least 70% sequence identity to any one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs.: 7-12.

In some embodiments, a terminal hydroxyl group can be enzymatically formed using an alcohol dehydrogenase. See FIG. 1 and FIG. 5.

In one aspect, this document features a method of producing 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA. The method includes enzymatically converting 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase classified under EC. 2.3.1.- (e.g., EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174). The β-ketothiolase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 13.

In one aspect, this document features a method of producing 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA. The method includes enzymatically converting 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a thiolase. The thiolase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15-36.

In one aspect, this document features a method of producing 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA. The method includes enzymatically converting 5-hydroxypentanoate to 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase. The 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 37.

In one aspect, this document features a method of producing 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA from 5-hydroxypentanoate in a two-step enzymatic reaction catalyzed by a 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase and a thiolase. The 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 37. The thiolase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15-36.

In one aspect, this document features a method for enzymatically converting 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 7-hydroxyheptanoate using a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and a thioesterase or a CoA transferase. The 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase can be classified under EC 1.1.1.35, EC 1.1.1.36, EC 1.1.1.100, or EC 1.1.1.157. The enoyl-CoA hydratase can be classified under EC 4.2.1.17 or EC 4.2.1.119. The trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase can be classified under EC 1.3.1.38, EC 1.3.1.44, or EC 1.3.1.8.

In one aspect, this document features a method for biosynthesizing 7-hydroxyheptanoate. The method includes enzymatically synthesizing 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA from 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase classified under EC. 2.3.1.- (e.g., EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174) and enzymatically converting 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 7-hydroxyheptanoate. The β-ketothiolase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 13. 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA can be converted to 3-hydroxy-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, 3-hydroxy-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA can be converted to 2,3-dehydro-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using an enoyl-CoA hydratase, 2,3-dehydro-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA can be converted to 7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and 7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA can be converted to 7-hydroxyheptanoate using a thioesterase or a CoA transferase.

Any of the methods further can include enzymatically converting 7-hydroxyheptanoate to pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoate, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol in one or more steps.

For example, 7-hydroxyheptanoate can be enzymatically converted to pimelic acid using one or more of a monooxygenase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxyvalerate dehydrogenase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase, a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase, or an aldehyde dehydrogenase.

For example, 7-hydroxyheptanoate can be converted to 7-aminoheptanoate using one or more of an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxypentanoate dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and a ω-transaminase. The ω-transaminase can have at least 70% sequence identity to any one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs.: 7-12.

For example, 7-hydroxyheptanoate can be converted to heptamethylenediamine using one or more of a carboxylate reductase, a ω-transaminase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, an N-acetyltransferase, and an acetylputrescine deacylase. The ω-transaminase can have at least 70% sequence identity to any one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs.: 7-12.

For example, 7-hydroxyheptanoate can be converted to 1,7-heptanediol using a carboxylate reductase and an alcohol dehydrogenase. The carboxylate reductase can have at least 70% sequence identity to any one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs.: 2-6.

In any of the methods, 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA can be enzymatically produced from 2-oxoadipate. For example, 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA can be enzymatically produced from 2-oxoadipate using one or more of a α-aminotransaminase; a 2-oxoadipate decarboxylase; a branch chain decarboxylase; a glutamate decarboxylase; a ω-transaminase; a CoA transferase, a CoA ligase, and an alcohol dehydrogenase.

In any of the methods, 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA can be enzymatically produced from malonyl-CoA. For example, 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA can be enzymatically produced from malonyl-CoA using one or more of a malonyl-CoA reductase; a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase; a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase; a CoA-transferase; a β-ketothiolase; a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase; a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, and a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase.

In any of the methods described herein, pimelic acid can be produced by forming the second terminal functional group in pimelate semialdehyde (also known as 7-oxoheptanoate) using (i) an aldehyde dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.2.1.3, (ii) a 7-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.2.1.63 such as that encoded by ChnE or a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.2.1.- (e.g., the gene product of ThnG), or iii) a monooxgenase in the cytochrome P450 family.

In any of the methods described herein, 7-aminoheptanoic acid can be produced by forming the second terminal functional group in pimelate semialdehyde using a ω-transaminase classified under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82.

In any of the methods described herein, heptamethylenediamine can be produced by forming a second terminal functional group in (i) 7-aminoheptanal using a ω-transaminase classified under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48 or EC 2.6.1.82, or in (ii) N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane using a deacylase classified, for example, under EC 3.5.1.17.

In any of the methods described herein, 1,7-heptanediol can be produced by forming the second terminal functional group in 7-hydroxyheptanal using an alcohol dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.1.1.- (e.g., EC 1.1.1.1, 1.1.1.2, 1.1.1.21, or 1.1.1.184) such as that encoded by YMR318C, YqhD, or CAA81612.1.

In some embodiments, the biological feedstock can be or can derive from monosaccharides, disaccharides, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, levulinic acid and formic acid, triglycerides, glycerol, fatty acids, agricultural waste, condensed distillers' solubles, or municipal waste.

In some embodiments, the non-biological feedstock can be or can derive from natural gas, syngas, CO₂/H₂, methanol, ethanol, benzoate, non-volatile residue (NVR) or a caustic wash waste stream from cycloheptane oxidation processes, or terephthalic acid/isophthalic acid mixture waste streams.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's tolerance to high concentrations of one or more C7 building blocks is improved through continuous cultivation in a selective environment.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's biochemical network is attenuated or augmented to (1) ensure the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA, (2) create an NADH or NADPH imbalance that may only be balanced via the formation of one or more C7 building blocks, (3) prevent degradation of central metabolites, central precursors leading to and including C7 building blocks, and/or (4) ensure efficient efflux from the cell.

In some embodiments, a cultivation strategy is used to achieve anaerobic, micro-aerobic, or aerobic cultivation conditions.

In some embodiments, the cultivation strategy includes limiting nutrients, such as limiting nitrogen, phosphate or oxygen.

In some embodiments, one or more C7 building blocks are produced by a single type of microorganism, e.g., a recombinant host containing one or more exogenous nucleic acids, using, for example, a fermentation strategy.

In some embodiments, one or more C7 building blocks are produced by a single type of microorganism having one or more exogenous nucleic acids which encode a polypeptide having a β-ketothiolase activity, (ii) a thioesterase activity or a CoA transferase activity, and one or more of (iii) a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase activity, (iv) an enoyl-CoA hydratase activity, and (v) a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase activity, using, for example, a fermentation strategy.

In another aspect, this document features a recombinant host that includes at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding (i) a β-ketothiolase, (ii) a thioesterase or a CoA transferase, and one or more of (iii) a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, (iv) an enoyl-CoA hydratase, and (v) a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, the host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate.

A host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate further can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: a monooxygenase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxyvalerate dehydrogenase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase, a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase, or an aldehyde dehydrogenase, the host further producing pimelic acid.

A host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate further can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: a monooxygenase, a transaminase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxypentanoate dehydrogenase, and an alcohol dehydrogenase, the host further producing 7-aminoheptanoate.

A host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate further can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: a carboxylate reductase, a ω-transaminase, a deacylase, a N-acetyl transferase, or an alcohol dehydrogenase, said host further producing heptamethylenediamine.

A host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate further can include an exogenous carboxylate reductase and an exogenous alcohol dehydrogenase, the host further producing 1,7-heptanediol.

Any of the recombinant hosts described herein further can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: an alpha-aminotransaminase; a 2-oxoadipate decarboxylase; a branch-chain decarboxylase; a glutamate decarboxylase; a ω-transaminase; a CoA-ligase; a CoA-transferase; and an alcohol dehydrogenase.

Any of the recombinant hosts described herein further can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: a malonyl-CoA reductase; a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase; a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase; a CoA-transferase; a β-ketothiolase; a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase; a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase; an enoyl-CoA hydratase; and a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase.

Any of the recombinant hosts can be a prokaryote such as a prokaryote from a genus selected from the group consisting of Escherichia; Clostridia; Corynebacteria; Cupriavidus; Pseudomonas; Delftia; Bacilluss; Lactobacillus; Lactococcus; and Rhodococcus. For example, the prokaryote can be selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium autoethanogenum, Clostridium kluyveri, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Cupriavidus necator, Cupriavidus metallidurans. Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas oleavorans, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus subtillis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactococcus lactis, and Rhodococcus equi. Such prokaryotes also can be sources of genes for constructing recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing C7 building blocks.

Any of the recombinant hosts can be a eukaryote such as a eukaryote from a genus selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Pichia, Yarrowia, Issatchenkia, Debaryomyces, Arxula, and Kluyveromyces. For example, the eukaryote can be selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris, Yarrowia lipolytica, Issathenkia orientalis, Debaryomyces hansenii, Arxula adenoinivorans, and Kluyveromyces lactis. Such eukaryotes also can be sources of genes for constructing recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing C7 building blocks.

Any of the recombinant hosts described herein further can include attenuation of one or more of the following enzymes: a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, an acetyl-CoA thioesterase, a phosphotransacetylase forming acetate, an acetate kinase, a lactate dehydrogenase, a menaquinol-fumarate oxidoreductase, an alcohol dehydrogenase forming ethanol, a triose phosphate isomerase, a pyruvate decarboxylase, a glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, NADH-consuming transhydrogenase, an NADH-specific glutamate dehydrogenase, a NADH/NADPH-utilizing glutamate dehydrogenase, a pimeloyl-CoA dehydrogenase, an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase accepting C7 building blocks and central precursors as substrates, a butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, or an adipyl-CoA synthetase.

Any of the recombinant hosts described herein further can overexpress one or more genes encoding: an acetyl-CoA synthetase; a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase; a transketolase; a puridine nucleotide transhydrogenase; a glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase; a malic enzyme; a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; a glucose dehydrogenase; a fructose 1,6 diphosphatase; a L-alanine dehydrogenase; a L-glutamate dehydrogenase; a formate dehydrogenase; a L-glutamine synthetase; a diamine transporter; a dicarboxylate transporter; and/or a multidrug transporter.

This document also features a biobased polymer comprising the bioderived pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol.

This document also features a biobased resin comprising the bioderived pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol, as well as a molded product obtained by molding a biobased resin.

In another aspect, this document features a process for producing a biobased polymer that includes chemically reacting the bioderived pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol, with itself or another compound in a polymer producing reaction.

In another aspect, this document features a process for producing a biobased resin that includes chemically reacting the bioderived pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol, with itself or another compound in a resin producing reaction.

Also, described herein is a biochemical network comprising a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity, wherein the polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity enzymatically converts 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA.

The biochemical network can further include a polypeptide having 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or a polypeptide having 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase activity, a polypeptide having enoyl-CoA hydratase activity, a polypeptide having thioesterase activity, a polypeptide having CoA transferase, and a polypeptide having trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase activity. In one aspect, the biochemical network is a non-naturally occurring biochemical network comprising at least one substrate of FIG. 1, at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having the activity of at least one enzyme of FIG. 1 and at least one product of FIG. 1. In another aspect of the invention, the biochemical network is a non-naturally occurring biochemical network comprising a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA, an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having the activity of a β-ketothiolase classified under EC. 2.3.1 and a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA.

In one aspect, this document features a method for producing a bioderived five and seven carbon compounds. The method for producing a bioderived five and seven carbon compounds can include culturing or growing a recombinant host as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce the bioderived five and seven carbon compounds, wherein, optionally, the bioderived carbon compound is pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol.

In one aspect, this document features composition comprising a bioderived five and seven carbon compounds as described herein and a compound other than the bioderived five and seven carbon compound, wherein the bioderived carbon compound is pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, and 1,7-heptanediol. For example, the bioderived four carbon compound is a cellular portion of a host cell or an organism.

In one aspect, this document features nucleic acid constructs or expression vectors comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity, wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more heterologous control sequences that direct production of the polypeptide and wherein the polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 13; a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having ω-transaminase activity, wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more heterologous control sequences that direct production of the polypeptide and wherein the polypeptide having ω-transaminase activity is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 7-12. Further, this document features compositions comprising the nucleic acid construct or expression vector as described above.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the application, including the written description and drawings and the claims. The word “comprising” in the claims may be replaced by “consisting essentially of” or with “consisting of,” according to standard practice in patent law.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of exemplary biochemical pathways leading to 7-hydroxyheptanoate using 2-oxo-adipate and malonyl-CoA as central metabolites.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of exemplary biochemical pathways leading to pimelic acid using 7-hydroxyheptanoate as a central precursor.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary biochemical pathway leading to 7-aminoheptanoate using 7-hydroxyheptanoate as a central precursor.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of exemplary biochemical pathways leading to heptamethylenediamine using 7-aminoheptanoate, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, pimelate semialdehyde, or 1,7-heptanediol as a central precursor.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an exemplary biochemical pathway leading to 1,7-heptanediol using 7-hydroxyheptanoate as a central precursor.

FIG. 6A contains the amino acid sequences of a Cupriavidus necator β-ketothiolase (see GenBank Accession No. AAC38322.1, SEQ ID NO: 1) and a Mycobacterium marinum carboxylate reductase (see Genbank Accession No. ACC40567.1, SEQ ID NO: 2). FIG. 6B contains the amino acid sequence of a Mycobacterium smegmatis carboxylate reductase (see Genbank Accession No. ABK71854.1, SEQ ID NO: 3). FIG. 6C contains the amino acid sequence of a Segniliparus rugosus carboxylate reductase (see Genbank Accession No. EFV11917.1, SEQ ID NO: 4). FIG. 6D contains the amino acid sequence of a Mycobacterium massiliense carboxylate reductase (see Genbank Accession No. EIV11143.1, SEQ ID NO: 5). FIG. 6E contains the amino acid sequences of a Segniliparus rotundus carboxylate reductase (see Genbank Accession No. ADG98140.1, SEQ ID NO: 6), a Chromobacterium violaceum ω-transaminase (see Genbank Accession No. AAQ59697.1, SEQ ID NO: 7), and a Pseudomonas aeruginosa ω-transaminase (see Genbank Accession No. AAG08191.1, SEQ ID NO: 8). FIG. 6F contains the amino acid sequences of a Pseudomonas syringae ω-transaminase (see Genbank Accession No. AAY39893.1, SEQ ID NO: 9), a Rhodobacter sphaeroides ω-transaminase (see Genbank Accession No. ABA81135.1, SEQ ID NO: 10), an Escherichia coli ω-transaminase (see Genbank Accession No. AAA57874.1, SEQ ID NO: 11), and a Vibrio fluvialis ω-transaminase (see Genbank Accession No. AEA39183.1, SEQ ID NO: 12). FIG. 6G contains the amino acid sequences of an Escherichia coli β-ketothiolase (see GenBank Accession No. AAC74479.1, SEQ ID NO: 13), a Mycobacterium smegmatis carboxylate reductase (see Genbank Accession No. ABK75684.1, SEQ ID NO: 14), and a Pseudomonas putida thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAN70209.2, SEQ ID NO: 15). FIG. 6H contains the amino acid sequences of a Sphingomonas wittichii thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABQ69245.1, SEQ ID NO: 16), a Pseudomonas reinekei thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ACZ63623.1, SEQ ID NO: 17), a Pseudomonas putida thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAA85138.1, SEQ ID NO: 18), a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABE28745.1, SEQ ID NO: 19), and a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABE33819.1, SEQ ID NO: 20). FIG. 6I contains the amino acid sequences of a Rhodococcus jostii thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABG94668.1, SEQ ID NO: 21), a Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. CAE79693.1, SEQ ID NO: 22), a Cronobacter turicensis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. CBA32535.1, SEQ ID NO: 23), and an Arthrobacter sp. thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABK03524.1, SEQ ID NO: 24). FIG. 6J contains the amino acid sequences of a Caulobacter segnis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ADG08907.1, SEQ ID NO: 25), a Dinoroseobacter shibae thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABV92581.1, SEQ ID NO: 26), a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABE36495.1, SEQ ID NO: 27), a Geobacillus kaustophilus thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. BAD75605.1, SEQ ID NO: 28), and a Beijerinckia indica thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ACB95386.1, SEQ ID NO: 29). FIG. 6K contains the amino acid sequences of a Citrobacter freundii thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. EKS55037.1, SEQ ID NO: 30), a Cupriavidus necator thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AEI75849.1, SEQ ID NO: 31), a Gordonia bronchialis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ACY20886.1, SEQ ID NO: 32), a Burkholderia sp. thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ADG18081.1, SEQ ID NO: 33), and a Glutamicibacter arilaitensis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. CBT74677.1, SEQ ID NO: 34). FIG. 6L contains the amino acid sequences of an Escherichia coli thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAC74479.1, SEQ ID NO: 35), a Cupriavidus necator thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAC38322.1, SEQ ID NO: 36), and a Clostridium viride 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase (see NCBI Reference Sequence: NZ_KK211198.1, SEQ ID NO: 37).

FIG. 7 is a bar graph summarizing the change in absorbance at 340 nm after 20 minutes, which is a measure of the consumption of NADPH and activity of six carboxylate reductase preparations in enzyme only controls (no substrate).

FIG. 8 is a bar graph of the change in absorbance at 340 nm after 20 minutes, which is a measure of the consumption of NADPH and the activity of two carboxylate reductase preparations for converting pimelate to pimelate semialdehyde relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 9 is a bar graph of the change in absorbance at 340 nm after 20 minutes, which is a measure of the consumption of NADPH and the activity of six carboxylate reductase preparations for converting 7-hydroxyheptanoate to 7-hydroxyheptanal relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 10 is a bar graph of the change in absorbance at 340 nm after 20 minutes, which is a measure of the consumption of NADPH and the activity of three carboxylate reductase preparations for converting N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanoate to N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 11 is a bar graph of the change in absorbance at 340 nm after 20 minutes, which is a measure of the consumption of NADPH and activity of a carboxylate reductase preparation for converting pimelate semialdehyde to heptanedial relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 12 is a bar graph summarizing the percent conversion of pyruvate to L-alanine (mol/mol) as a measure of the ω-transaminase activity of the enzyme only controls (no substrate).

FIG. 13 is a bar graph of the percent conversion after 4 hours of pyruvate to L-alanine (mol/mol) as a measure of the ω-transaminase activity of four ω-transaminase preparations for converting 7-aminoheptanoate to pimelate semialdehyde relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 14 is a bar graph of the percent conversion after 4 hours of L-alanine to pyruvate (mol/mol) as a measure of the ω-transaminase activity of three ω-transaminase preparations for converting pimelate semialdehyde to 7-aminoheptanoate relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 15 is a bar graph of the percent conversion after 4 hours of pyruvate to L-alanine (mol/mol) as a measure of the ω-transaminase activity of six ω-transaminase preparations for converting heptamethylenediamine to 7-aminoheptanal relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 16 is a bar graph of the percent conversion after 4 hours of pyruvate to L-alanine (mol/mol) as a measure of the ω-transaminase activity of six ω-transaminase preparations for converting N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane to N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 17 is a bar graph of the percent conversion after 4 hours of pyruvate to L-alanine (mol/mol) as a measure of the ω-transaminase activity of three ω-transaminase preparations for converting 7-aminoheptanol to 7-oxoheptanol relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 18 is a bar graph of the production of 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA after 3 hours and 9 hours in a two-step enzymatic reaction catalyzed by a 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase and an enzyme from the thiolase family, relative to the empty vector control.

FIG. 19A contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 38) encoding a Pseudomonas putida thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 39) encoding a Sphingomonas wittichii thiolase. FIG. 19B contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 40) encoding a Pseudomonas reinekei thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 41) encoding a Pseudomonas putida thiolase. FIG. 19C contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 42) encoding a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 43) encoding a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase. FIG. 19D contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 44) encoding a Rhodococcus jostii thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 45) encoding a Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus thiolase. FIG. 19E contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 46) encoding a Cronobacter turicensis thiolase. FIG. 19F contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 47) encoding an Arthrobacter sp. thiolase. FIG. 19G contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 48) encoding a Caulobacter segnis thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 49) encoding a Dinoroseobacter shibae thiolase. FIG. 19H contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 50) encoding a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 51) encoding a Geobacillus kaustophilus thiolase. FIG. 19I contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 52) encoding a Beijerinckia indica thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 53) encoding a Citrobacter freundii thiolase. FIG. 19J contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 54) encoding a Cupriavidus necator thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 55) encoding a Gordonia bronchialis thiolase. FIG. 19K contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 56) encoding a Burkholderia sp. thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 57) encoding a Glutamicibacter arilaitensis thiolase. FIG. 19L contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 58) encoding an Escherichia coli thiolase and a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 59) encoding a Cupriavidus necator thiolase. FIG. 19M contains a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 60) encoding a Clostridium viride 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, this document provides enzymes, non-natural pathways, cultivation strategies, feedstocks, host microorganisms and attenuations to the host's biochemical network, for producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate or one or more of pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol, all of which are referred to as C7 building blocks herein. As used herein, the term “central precursor” is used to denote any metabolite in any metabolic pathway shown herein leading to the synthesis of a C7 building block. The term “central metabolite” is used herein to denote a metabolite that is produced in all microorganisms to support growth.

Host microorganisms described herein can include endogenous pathways that can be manipulated such that 7-hydroxyheptanoate or one or more other C7 building blocks can be produced. In an endogenous pathway, the host microorganism naturally expresses all of the enzymes catalyzing the reactions within the pathway. In one aspect of the invention, a host microorganism containing an engineered pathway does not naturally express all of the enzymes catalyzing the reactions within the pathway but has been engineered such that all of the enzymes within the pathway are expressed in the host.

The term “exogenous” as used herein with reference to a nucleic acid (or a protein) and a host refers to a nucleic acid that does not occur in (and cannot be obtained from) a cell of that particular type as it is found in nature or a protein encoded by such a nucleic acid. Thus, a non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid is considered to be exogenous to a host once in the host. It is important to note that non-naturally-occurring nucleic acids can contain nucleic acid subsequences or fragments of nucleic acid sequences that are found in nature, provided the nucleic acid as a whole does not exist in nature. For example, a nucleic acid molecule containing a genomic DNA sequence within an expression vector is a non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid, and thus is exogenous to a host cell once introduced into the host, since that nucleic acid molecule as a whole (genomic DNA plus vector DNA) does not exist in nature. Thus, any vector, autonomously replicating plasmid, or virus (e.g., retrovirus, adenovirus, or herpes virus) that as a whole does not exist in nature is considered to be non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid. Genomic DNA fragments produced by PCR or restriction endonuclease treatment as well as cDNAs are considered to be non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid since they exist as separate molecules not found in nature. Any nucleic acid containing a promoter sequence and polypeptide-encoding sequence (e.g., cDNA or genomic DNA) in an arrangement not found in nature is non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid. A nucleic acid that is naturally-occurring can be exogenous to a particular host microorganism. For example, an entire chromosome isolated from a cell of yeast x is an exogenous nucleic acid with respect to a cell of yeast y once that chromosome is introduced into a cell of yeast y.

In contrast, the term “endogenous” as used herein with reference to a nucleic acid (e.g., a gene) (or a protein) and a host refers to a nucleic acid (or protein) that does occur in (and can be obtained from) that particular host as it is found in nature. Moreover, a cell “endogenously expressing” a nucleic acid (or protein) expresses that nucleic acid (or protein) as does a host of the same particular type as it is found in nature. Moreover, a host “endogenously producing” or that “endogenously produces” a nucleic acid, protein, or other compound produces that nucleic acid, protein, or compound as does a host of the same particular type as it is found in nature.

For example, depending on the host and the compounds produced by the host, one or more of the following enzymes may be expressed in the host in addition to a β-ketothiolase: a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, a thioesterase, a CoA transferase, an aldehyde dehydrogenase, a monooxygenase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, a ω transaminase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxypentanoate dehydrogenase, a carboxylate reductase, a deacylase, an N-acetyl transferase, a ω-transaminase, or an amidohydrolase. In recombinant hosts expressing a carboxylate reductase, a phosphopantetheinyl transferase also can be expressed as it enhances activity of the carboxylate reductase. In recombinant hosts expressing a monooxygenase, an electron transfer chain protein such as an oxidoreductase or ferredoxin polypeptide also can be expressed.

For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous β-ketothiolase and produce 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA, which can be converted to 7-hydroxyheptanoate.

For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous enzyme from the thiolase family and produce 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA, which can be converted to 7-hydroxyheptanoate.

For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous β-ketothiolase and an exogenous thioesterase or CoA-transferase, and one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, and a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and produce 7-hydroxyheptanoate. For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous β-ketothiolase, an exogenous thioesterase or CoA-transferase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, an exogenous trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and an exogenous 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or an exogenous 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, and produce 7-hydroxyheptanoate.

For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: a monooxygenase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxypentanoate dehydrogenase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase, a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase, or an aldehyde dehydrogenase, and further produce pimelic acid. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous monooxygenase and produce pimelic acid. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase and an aldehyde dehydrogenase and produce pimelic acid. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous alcohol dehydrogenase and one of the following exogenous enzymes: a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase, a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase, or a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, and produce pimelic acid.

For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, or a transaminase, and further produce 7-aminoheptanoate. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous alcohol dehydrogenase and an exogenous transaminase and produce 7-aminoheptanoate. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase and an exogenous transaminase and produce 7-aminoheptanoate.

For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: a carboxylate reductase, a ω-transaminase, a deacylase, an N-acetyl transferase, or an alcohol dehydrogenase, and produce heptamethylenediamine. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous carboxylate reductase, an exogenous alcohol dehydrogenase, and one or more exogenous transaminases (e.g., one transaminase or two different transaminases), and produce heptamethylenediamine. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous carboxylate reductase and one or more exogenous transaminases (e.g., one transaminase or two different transaminases) and produce heptamethylenediamine. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous alcohol dehydrogenase, an exogenous carboxylate reductase, and one or more exogenous transaminases (e.g., one transaminase, or two or three different transaminases) and produce heptamethylenediamine. For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include an exogenous alcohol dehydrogenase, an exogenous N-acetyl transferase, a carboxylate reductase, a deacylase, and one or more exogenous transaminases (e.g., one transaminase or two different transaminases) and produce heptamethylenediamine.

For example, a recombinant host producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: a carboxylate reductase and an exogenous alcohol dehydrogenase, and further produce 1,7-heptanediol.

In any of the recombinant hosts, the recombinant host also can include one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) of the following exogenous enzymes used to convert 2-oxoadipate- to 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA: an alpha-aminotransaminase; a 2-oxoadipate decarboxylase; a branch-chain decarboxylase; a glutamate decarboxylase; a CoA-ligase; a CoA-transferase; a ω-transaminase; and an alcohol dehydrogenase. For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous alpha-aminotransaminase; a glutamate decarboxylase; a CoA-ligase or a CoA-transferase; a ω-transaminase; and an alcohol dehydrogenase. For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous 2-oxoadipate decarboxylase or a branch-chain decarboxylase; a CoA-ligase; a CoA-transferase; and an alcohol dehydrogenase.

In any of the recombinant hosts, the recombinant host also can include one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) of the following exogenous enzymes used to convert manonyl-CoA to 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA: a malonyl-CoA reductase; a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase; a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase; a CoA-transferase; a β-ketothiolase; a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase; a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase; an enoyl-CoA hydratase; and a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase. For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous malonyl-CoA reductase; a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase; a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase; a CoA-transferase; a β-ketothiolase; a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase; a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase; an enoyl-CoA hydratase; and a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase.

Within an engineered pathway, the enzymes can be from a single source, i.e., from one species or genera, or can be from multiple sources, i.e., different species or genera. Nucleic acids encoding the enzymes described herein have been identified from various organisms and are readily available in publicly available databases such as GenBank or EMBL.

Any of the enzymes described herein that can be used for production of one or more C7 building blocks can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of the corresponding wild-type enzyme. It will be appreciated that the sequence identity can be determined on the basis of the mature enzyme (e.g., with any signal sequence removed) or on the basis of the immature enzyme (e.g., with any signal sequence included). It also will be appreciated that the initial methionine residue may or may not be present on any of the enzyme sequences described herein.

For example, a β-ketothiolase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Cupriavidus necator (see GenBank Accession No. AAC38322.1, SEQ ID NO: 1) or an Escherichia coli (see GenBank Accession No. AAC74479.1, SEQ ID NO: 13) β-ketothiolase. See FIG. 6A and FIG. 6G.

For example, a carboxylate reductase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Mycobacterium marinum (see Genbank Accession No. ACC40567.1, SEQ ID NO: 2), a Mycobacterium smegmatis (see Genbank Accession No. ABK71854.1, SEQ ID NO: 3), a Segniliparus rugosus (see Genbank Accession No. EFV11917.1, SEQ ID NO: 4), a Mycobacterium massiliense (see Genbank Accession No. EIV11143.1, SEQ ID NO: 5), or a Segniliparus rotundus (see Genbank Accession No. ADG98140.1, SEQ ID NO: 6) carboxylate reductase. See, FIGS. 6A-6E.

For example, a ω-transaminase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Chromobacterium violaceum (see Genbank Accession No. AAQ59697.1, SEQ ID NO: 7), a Pseudomonas aeruginosa (see Genbank Accession No. AAG08191.1, SEQ ID NO: 8), a Pseudomonas syringae (see Genbank Accession No. AAY39893.1, SEQ ID NO: 9), a Rhodobacter sphaeroides (see Genbank Accession No. ABA81135.1, SEQ ID NO: 10), an Escherichia coli (see Genbank Accession No. AAA57874.1, SEQ ID NO: 11), or a Vibrio fluvialis (see Genbank Accession No. AEA39183.1, SEQ ID NO: 12) ω-transaminase. Some of these ω-transaminases are diamine ω-transaminases. See, FIGS. 6E-6F.

For example, a thiolase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Pseudomonas putida thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAN70209.2, SEQ ID NO: 15), a Sphingomonas wittichii thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABQ69245.1, SEQ ID NO: 16), a Pseudomonas reinekei thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ACZ63623.1, SEQ ID NO: 17), a Pseudomonas putida thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAA85138.1, SEQ ID NO: 18), a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABE28745.1, SEQ ID NO: 19), a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABE33819.1, SEQ ID NO: 20), a Rhodococcus jostii thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABG94668.1, SEQ ID NO: 21), a Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. CAE79693.1, SEQ ID NO: 22), a Cronobacter turicensis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. CBA32535.1, SEQ ID NO: 23), an Arthrobacter sp. thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABK03524.1, SEQ ID NO: 24), a Caulobacter segnis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ADG08907.1, SEQ ID NO: 25), a Dinoroseobacter shibae thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABV92581.1, SEQ ID NO: 26), a Burkholderia xenovorans thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ABE36495.1, SEQ ID NO: 27), a Geobacillus kaustophilus thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. BAD75605.1, SEQ ID NO: 28), a Beijerinckia indica thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ACB95386.1, SEQ ID NO: 29), a Citrobacter freundii thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. EKS55037.1, SEQ ID NO: 30), a Cupriavidus necator thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AEI75849.1, SEQ ID NO: 31), a Gordonia bronchialis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ACY20886.1, SEQ ID NO: 32), a Burkholderia sp. thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. ADG18081.1, SEQ ID NO: 33), a Glutamicibacter arilaitensis thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. CBT74677.1, SEQ ID NO: 34), an Escherichia coli thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAC74479.1, SEQ ID NO: 35), or a Cupriavidus necator thiolase (see Genbank Accession No. AAC38322.1, SEQ ID NO: 36). See FIGS. 6G-6L.

For example, a 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Clostridium viride 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase (see NCBI Reference Sequence: NZ_KK211198.1, SEQ ID NO: 37). See, FIG. 6L.

The percent identity (homology) between two amino acid sequences can be determined as follows. First, the amino acid sequences are aligned using the BLAST 2 Sequences (Bl2seq) program from the stand-alone version of BLASTZ containing BLASTP version 2.0.14. This stand-alone version of BLASTZ can be obtained from the U.S. government's National Center for Biotechnology Information web site (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Instructions explaining how to use the Bl2seq program can be found in the readme file accompanying BLASTZ. Bl2seq performs a comparison between two amino acid sequences using the BLASTP algorithm. To compare two amino acid sequences, the options of Bl2seq are set as follows: -i is set to a file containing the first amino acid sequence to be compared (e.g., C:\seq1.txt); -j is set to a file containing the second amino acid sequence to be compared (e.g., C:\seq2.txt); -p is set to blastp; -o is set to any desired file name (e.g., C:\output.txt); and all other options are left at their default setting. For example, the following command can be used to generate an output file containing a comparison between two amino acid sequences: C:\Bl2seq -i c:\seq1.txt -j c:\seq2.txt -p blastp -o c:\output.txt. If the two compared sequences share homology (identity), then the designated output file will present those regions of homology as aligned sequences. If the two compared sequences do not share homology (identity), then the designated output file will not present aligned sequences. Similar procedures can be following for nucleic acid sequences except that blastn is used.

Once aligned, the number of matches is determined by counting the number of positions where an identical amino acid residue is presented in both sequences. The percent identity (homology) is determined by dividing the number of matches by the length of the full-length polypeptide amino acid sequence followed by multiplying the resulting value by 100. It is noted that the percent identity (homology) value is rounded to the nearest tenth. For example, 78.11, 78.12, 78.13, and 78.14 is rounded down to 78.1, while 78.15, 78.16, 78.17, 78.18, and 78.19 is rounded up to 78.2. It also is noted that the length value will always be an integer.

It will be appreciated that a number of nucleic acids can encode a polypeptide having a particular amino acid sequence. The degeneracy of the genetic code is well known to the art; i.e., for many amino acids, there is more than one nucleotide triplet that serves as the codon for the amino acid. For example, codons in the coding sequence for a given enzyme can be modified such that optimal expression in a particular species (e.g., bacteria or fungus) is obtained, using appropriate codon bias tables for that species.

Functional fragments of any of the enzymes described herein can also be used in the methods of the document. The term “functional fragment” as used herein refers to a peptide fragment of a protein that has at least 25% (e.g., at least: 30%; 40%; 50%; 60%; 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%; 98%; 99%; 100%; or even greater than 100%) of the activity of the corresponding mature, full-length, wild-type protein. The functional fragment can generally, but not always, be comprised of a continuous region of the protein, wherein the region has functional activity.

This document also provides (i) functional variants of the enzymes used in the methods of the document and (ii) functional variants of the functional fragments described above. Functional variants of the enzymes and functional fragments can contain additions, deletions, or substitutions relative to the corresponding wild-type sequences. In one aspect of the invention, enzymes with substitutions will generally have not more than 50 (e.g., not more than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 50) amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions). This applies to any of the enzymes described herein and functional fragments. A conservative substitution is a substitution of one amino acid for another with similar characteristics. Conservative substitutions include substitutions within the following groups: valine, alanine, and glycine; leucine, valine, and isoleucine; aspartic acid and glutamic acid; asparagine and glutamine; serine, cysteine, and threonine; lysine and arginine; and phenylalanine and tyrosine. The nonpolar hydrophobic amino acids include alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and methionine. The polar neutral amino acids include glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine. The positively charged (basic) amino acids include arginine, lysine, and histidine. The negatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Any substitution of one member of the above-mentioned polar, basic, or acidic groups by another member of the same group can be deemed a conservative substitution. By contrast, a nonconservative substitution is a substitution of one amino acid for another with dissimilar characteristics.

Deletion variants can lack one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 amino acid segments (of two or more amino acids) or non-contiguous single amino acids. Additions (addition variants) include fusion proteins containing: (a) any of the enzymes described herein or a fragment thereof; and (b) internal or terminal (C or N) irrelevant or heterologous amino acid sequences. In the context of such fusion proteins, the term “heterologous amino acid sequences” refers to an amino acid sequence other than (a). A heterologous sequence can be, for example a sequence used for purification of the recombinant protein (e.g., FLAG, polyhistidine (e.g., heptahistidine (SEQ ID NO: 61)), hemagglutinin (HA), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), or maltosebinding protein (MBP)). Heterologous sequences also can be proteins useful as detectable markers, for example, luciferase, green fluorescent protein (GFP), or chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT). In some embodiments, the fusion protein contains a signal sequence from another protein. In certain host cells (e.g., yeast host cells), expression and/or secretion of the target protein can be increased through use of a heterologous signal sequence. In some embodiments, the fusion protein can contain a carrier (e.g., KLH) useful, e.g., in eliciting an immune response for antibody generation or ER or Golgi apparatus retention signals. Heterologous sequences can be of varying length and in some cases can be longer sequences than the full-length target proteins to which the heterologous sequences are attached.

Engineered hosts can naturally express none or some (e.g., one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more) of the enzymes of the pathways described herein. Thus, a pathway within an engineered host can include all exogenous enzymes, or can include both endogenous and exogenous enzymes. Endogenous genes of the engineered hosts also can be disrupted to prevent the formation of undesirable metabolites or prevent the loss of intermediates in the pathway through other enzymes acting on such intermediates. Engineered hosts can be referred to as recombinant hosts or recombinant host cells. As described herein recombinant hosts can include nucleic acids encoding one or more of a β-ketothiolase, a dehydrogenase, a synthase, a decarboxylase, a reductase, a hydratase, a thioesterase, a monooxygenase, a thioesterase, amidohydrolase, and transaminase as described herein.

In addition, the production of C7 building blocks can be performed in vitro using the isolated enzymes described herein, using a lysate (e.g., a cell lysate) from a host microorganism as a source of the enzymes, or using a plurality of lysates from different host microorganisms as the sources of the enzymes.

The reactions of the pathways described herein can be performed in one or more host strains (a) naturally expressing one or more relevant enzymes, (b) genetically engineered to express one or more relevant enzymes, or (c) naturally expressing one or more relevant enzymes and genetically engineered to express one or more relevant enzymes. Alternatively, relevant enzymes can be isolated from of the above types of host cells and used in a purified or semi-purified form. Moreover, such isolates or extracts include lysates (e.g. cell lysates) that can be used as sources of relevant enzymes. In the methods provided by the document, all the steps can be performed in host cells, all the steps can be performed using isolated or extracted enzymes, or some of the steps can be performed in cells and others can be performed using isolated or extracted enzymes.

Enzymes Generating 7-Hydroxyheptanoate

As depicted in FIG. 1, 7-hydroxyheptanaote can be biosynthesized from 2-oxoadipate or malonyl-CoA through the intermediate 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA, which can be produced from 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase. 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA can be converted to 7-hydroxyheptanoate using a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or 3-oxoacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and a thioesterase or a CoA transferase.

In some embodiments, a β-ketothiolase may be classified under EC 2.3.1.16, such as the gene product of bktB, or may be classified under EC 2.3.1.174 such as the gene product of paaJ. The β-ketothiolase encoded by bktB from Cupriavidus necator accepts acetyl-CoA and butanoyl-CoA as substrates, forming a CoA-activated C7 aliphatic backbone (see, e.g., Haywood et al., FEMS Microbiology Letters, 1988, 52:91-96; Slater et al., J. Bacteriol., 1998, 180(8): 1979-1987). The β-ketothiolase encoded by paaJ from Escherichia coli accepts succinyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA as substrates, forming a CoA-activated backbone (Nogales et al., Microbiology, 2007, 153, 357-365). See, for example, SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO: 13 in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6G.

In some embodiments, a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or 3-oxoacyl-CoA dehydrogenase can be classified under EC 1.1.1.-. For example, the 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase can be classified under EC 1.1.1.35, such as the gene product of fadB; classified under EC 1.1.1.157, such as the gene product of hbd (also referred to as a 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase); or classified under EC 1.1.1.36, such as the acetoacetyl-CoA reductase gene product of phaB (Liu & Chen, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 2007, 76(5): 1153-1159; Shen et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 2011, 77(9):2905-2915; Budde et al., J. Bacteriol., 2010, 192(20):5319-5328).

In some embodiments, a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase can be classified under EC 1.1.1.100, such as the gene product of fabG (Budde et al., J. Bacteriol., 2010, 192(20):5319-5328; Nomura et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 2005, 71(8):4297-4306).

In some embodiments, an enoyl-CoA hydratase can be classified under EC 4.2.1.17, such as the gene product of crt, or classified under EC 4.2.1.119, such as the gene product of phaJ (Shen et al., 2011, supra; Fukui et al., J. Bacteriol., 1998, 180(3):667-673).

In some embodiments, a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase can be classified under EC 1.3.1.38 or EC 1.3.1.44, such as the gene product of ter (Nishimaki et al., J. Biochem., 1984, 95:1315-1321; Shen et al., 2011, supra) or tdter (Bond-Watts et al., Biochemistry, 2012, 51:6827-6837), or EC 1.3.1.8 (Inui et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 1984, 142, 121-126).

In some embodiments, the terminal carboxyl group leading to the synthesis of 7-hydroxyheptanoate is enzymatically formed in 7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA by a thioesterase classified under EC 3.1.2.-, resulting in the production of 7-hydroxyheptanoate. The thioesterase can be the gene product of YciA or Acot13 (Cantu et al., Protein Science, 2010, 19, 1281-1295; Zhuang et al., Biochemistry, 2008, 47(9):2789-2796; Naggert et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1991, 266(17):11044-11050).

In some embodiments, the terminal carboxyl group leading to the synthesis of 7-hydroxyheptanoate is enzymatically formed in 7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA by a CoA-transferase classified under, for example, EC 2.8.3- such as the gene product of cat2 from Clostridium kluyveri, abfT from Clostridium aminobutyricum, or the 4-hydroxybutyrate CoA-transferase from Clostridium viride.

Enzymes Generating the Terminal Carboxyl Groups in the Biosynthesis of Pimelic Acid

As depicted in FIG. 2, the terminal carboxyl group leading to the production of pimelic acid can be enzymatically formed using an aldehyde dehydrogenase, a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase, a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, or a monooxygenase.

In some embodiments, the second terminal carboxyl group leading to the synthesis of pimelic acid can be enzymatically formed in pimelate semialdehyde by an aldehyde dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.2.1.3 (Guerrillot & Vandecasteele, Eur. J. Biochem., 1977, 81, 185-192). See, FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the second terminal carboxyl group leading to the synthesis of pimelic acid is enzymatically formed in pimelate semialdehyde by EC 1.2.1.- such as a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.1.20, such as the gene product of CpnE; a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase classified, for example, EC 1.2.1.63 such as the gene product of ChnE from Acinetobacter sp.; or a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase such as the gene product of ThnG from Sphingomonas macrogolitabida (Iwaki et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 1999, 65(11), 5158-5162; López-Sánchez et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 2010, 76(1), 110-118)). See, FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the second terminal carboxyl group leading to the synthesis of pimelic acid is enzymatically formed in pimelate semialdehyde by a monooxygenase in the cytochrome P450 family such as CYP4F3B (see, e.g., Sanders et al., J. Lipid Research, 2005, 46(5):1001-1008; Sanders et al., The FASEB Journal, 2008, 22(6):2064-2071). See, FIG. 2.

Enzymes Generating the Terminal Amine Groups in the Biosynthesis of Heptamethylenediamine or 7-Aminoheptanoate

As depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, terminal amine groups can be enzymatically formed using a ω-transaminase or a deacylase.

In some embodiments, a terminal amine group leading to the synthesis of 7-aminoheptanoic acid is enzymatically formed in pimelate semialdehyde by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.- (e.g., EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82) such as that obtained from Chromobacterium violaceum (Genbank Accession No. AAQ59697.1, SEQ ID NO: 7), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Genbank Accession No. AAG08191.1, SEQ ID NO: 8), Pseudomonas syringae (Genbank Accession No. AAY39893.1, SEQ ID NO: 9), Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Genbank Accession No. ABA81135.1, SEQ ID NO: 10), Vibrio fluvialis (Genbank Accession No. AEA39183.1, SEQ ID NO: 12), Streptomyces griseus, or Clostridium viride. See, FIG. 3.

An additional ω-transaminase that can be used in the methods and hosts described herein is from Escherichia coli (Genbank Accession No. AAA57874.1, SEQ ID NO: 11). Some of the ω-transaminases classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.29 or EC 2.6.1.82 are diamine ω-transaminases (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 11).

The reversible ω-transaminase from Chromobacterium violaceum (Genbank Accession No. AAQ59697.1, SEQ ID NO: 7) has demonstrated analogous activity accepting 7-aminoheptanoic acid as an amino donor, thus forming the first terminal amine group in pimelate semialdehyde (Kaulmann et al., Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 2007, 41, 628-637).

The reversible 4-aminobubyrate:2-oxoadipate transaminase from Streptomyces griseus has demonstrated activity for the conversion of 7-aminoheptanoate to pimelate semialdehyde (Yonaha et al., Eur. J. Biochem., 1985, 146, 101-106).

The reversible 5-aminovalerate transaminase from Clostridium viride has demonstrated activity for the conversion of 7-aminoheptanoate to pimelate semialdehyde (Barker et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1987, 262(19), 8994-9003).

In some embodiments, the second terminal amine group leading to the synthesis of heptamethylenediamine is enzymatically formed in 7-aminoheptanal by a diamine transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.29; or classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.82, such as the gene product of YgjG from E. coli (Genbank Accession No. AAA57874.1, SEQ ID NO: 12). The transaminases set forth in SEQ ID NOs:7-10 and 11 also can be used to produce heptamethylenediamine. See, FIG. 4.

The gene product of ygjG accepts a broad range of diamine carbon chain length substrates, such as putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine (Samsonova et al., BMC Microbiology, 2003, 3:2).

The diamine transaminase from E. coli strain B has demonstrated activity for 1,7 diaminoheptane (Kim, The Journal of Chemistry, 1964, 239(3), 783-786).

In some embodiments, the second terminal amine group leading to the synthesis of heptamethylenediamine is enzymatically formed in N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane by a deacylase classified, for example, under EC 3.5.1.17 such as an acyl lysine deacylase.

Enzymes Generating the Terminal Hydroxyl Groups in the Biosynthesis of 1,7 Heptanediol

As depicted in FIG. 5, the terminal hydroxyl group can be enzymatically formed using an alcohol dehydrogenase. For example, the second terminal hydroxyl group leading to the synthesis of 1,7 heptanediol can be enzymatically formed in 7-hydroxyheptanal by an alcohol dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.1.1.- (e.g., EC 1.1.1.1, 1.1.1.2, 1.1.1.21, or 1.1.1.184) such as the gene product of YMR318C or YqhD (Liu et al., Microbiology, 2009, 155, 2078-2085; Larroy et al., 2002, Biochem J., 361(Pt 1), 163-172; Jarboe, 2011, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 89(2), 249-257) or the protein having GenBank Accession No. CAA81612.1.

Biochemical Pathways

Pathways to 7-Hydroxyheptanoate

In some embodiments, 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA is synthesized from the central metabolite, 2-oxoadipate, by conversion of 2-oxoadipate to 2-aminoadipate by a α-aminotransaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.39; followed by conversion of 2-aminoadipate to 5-aminopentanoate by a glutamate decarboxylase classified, for example, under EC 4.1.1.15; followed by conversion of 5-aminopentanoate to 5-oxopentanoate—by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.96 such as the gene product of gabT from Escherichia coli (Bartsch et al., J. Bacteriol., 1990, 172(12), 7035); followed by conversion of 5-oxopentanoate to 5-hydroxypentanoate by an alcohol dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.61 such as the gene product of gbd (e.g., from Sorangium cellulosum), gabD (Bartsch et al., J. Bacteriol., 1990, 172(12), 7035), or YihU (Saito et al., J. Biol. Chem., 2009, 284(24), 16442-16452), or a 5-hydroxyvalerate dehydrogenase such as the gene product of cpnD (see, for example, Iwaki et al., 2002, Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 68(11):5671-5684); followed by conversion of 5-hydroxypentanoate to 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a CoA-ligase classified under, for example, EC 6.2.1- (e.g., EC 6.2.1.40), or a CoA-transferase classified under, for example, EC 2.8.3.- such as the gene product of cat2 from Clostridium kluyveri, abfT from Clostridium aminobutyricum, or the 4-hydroxybutyrate CoA-transferase from Clostridium viride. See FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, 2-oxoadipate is converted to 5-oxopentanoate—using a 2-oxoadipate decarboxylase classified, for example, under EC 4.1.1.71 or a branch-chain decarboxylase classified, for example, under EC 4.1.1.72 such as the gene product of kdcA or kivD. 5-oxopentanoate—produced in this fashion can be converted to 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA as described above. See, FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA is synthesized from the central metabolite, malonyl-CoA, by conversion of malonyl-CoA to malonate semialdehyde by a malonyl-CoA reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.1.75; followed by conversion of malonate semialdehyde to 3-hydroxypropanoate by a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.59; followed by conversion of 3-hydroxypropanoate to 3-hydroxypropanoyl-CoA by a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase classified, for example, under EC 6.2.1.36, or a CoA-transferase classified, for example, under EC 2.8.3.1; followed by conversion of 3-hydropropanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase classified, for example, under EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174 such as the gene product of bktB or paaJ (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1 or 13); followed by conversion to 3-hydroxy-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- such as EC 1.1.1.35 (e.g., the gene product of fadB), EC 1.1.1.36 (e.g., the gene product of phaB), or EC 1.1.1.157 (e.g., the gene product of hbd), or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.100, such as the gene product of fabG; followed by conversion of 3-hydroxy-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 2,3-dehydro-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using an enoyl-CoA hydratase classified, for example, under EC 4.2.1.17 such as the gene product of crt or classified under EC 4.2.1.119 such as the gene product of phaJ; followed by conversion of 2,3-dehydro-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA by a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.3.1.38, EC 1.3.1.44, or EC 1.3.1.8 such as the gene product of ter or tdter. See FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, 7-hydroxyheptanoate is synthesized from the central precursor, 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA, by conversion of 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase classified, for example, under EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174 such as the gene product of bktB or paaJ (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1 or 13); followed by conversion to 3-hydroxy-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- such as EC 1.1.1.35 (e.g., the gene product of fadB), EC 1.1.1.36 (e.g., the gene product of phaB), or EC 1.1.1.157 (e.g., the gene product of hbd), or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.100 such as the gene product of fabG; followed by conversion of 3-hydroxy-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 2,3-dehydro-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using an enoyl-CoA hydratase classified, for example, under EC 4.2.1.17 such as the gene product of crt, or classified under EC 4.2.1.119 such as the gene product of phaJ; followed by conversion of 2,3-dehydro-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA by a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.3.1.38, EC 1.3.1.44, or EC 1.3.1.8 such as the gene product of ter or tdter; followed by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 7-hydroxyheptanoate by a thioesterase classified, for example, under EC 3.1.2.- such as the gene product of YciA or Acot13, or a CoA-transferase classified, for example, under EC 2.8.3.-. See FIG. 1.

Pathways Using 7-Hydroxyheptanoate as Central Precursor to Pimelic Acid

In some embodiments, pimelic acid is synthesized from 7-hydroxyheptanoate, by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanoate to pimelate semialdehyde by an alcohol dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.1.1.- such as the gene product of YMR318C (classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.2, see Genbank Accession No. CAA90836.1) (Larroy et al., 2002, Biochem J., 361(Pt 1), 163-172), cpnD (Iwaki et al., 2002, Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 68(11):5671-5684), or gabD (Lüitke-Eversloh & Steinbüchel, 1999, FEMS Microbiology Letters, 181(1):63-71), or a 6-hydroxyheptanoate dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.258 such as the gene product of ChnD (Iwaki et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 1999, 65(11):5158-5162); followed by conversion of pimelate semialdehyde to pimelic acid by a dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.1.- such as a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase (e.g., the gene product of ThnG), a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase (e.g., the gene product of ChnE), a glutarate semialdehyde dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.1.20, a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase such as the gene product of CpnE, or an aldehyde dehydrogenase classified under EC 1.2.1.3. See FIG. 2. The alcohol dehydrogenase encoded by YMR318C has broad substrate specificity, including the oxidation of C7 alcohols.

In some embodiments, pimelic acid is synthesized from the central precursor, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanoate to pimelate semialdehyde by a cytochrome P450 (Sanders et al., J. Lipid Research, 2005, 46(5), 1001-1008; Sanders et al., The FASEB Journal, 2008, 22(6), 2064-2071); followed by conversion of pimelate semialdehyde to pimelic acid by a monooxygenase in the cytochrome P450 family such as CYP4F3B. See FIG. 2.

Pathway Using 7-Hydroxyheptanoate as Central Precursor to 7-Aminoheptanoate—

In some embodiments, 7-aminoheptanoate is synthesized from the central precursor, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanoate to pimelate semialdehyde by an alcohol dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.2 such as the gene product of YMR318C, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.258, a 5-hydroxypentanoate dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- such as the gene product of cpnD, or a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- such as the gene product of gabD; followed by conversion of pimelate semialdehyde to 7-aminoheptanoate by a ω-transaminase (EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82 such as one of SEQ ID NOs:7-10 or 12, see above). See FIG. 3.

Pathway Using 7-Aminoheptanoate, 7-Hydroxyheptanoate, Pimelate Semialdehyde, or 1,7-Heptanediol as a Central Precursor to Heptamethylenediamine

In some embodiments, heptamethylenediamine is synthesized from the central precursor, 7-aminoheptanoate, by conversion of 7-aminoheptanoate to 7-aminoheptanal by a carboxylate reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.99.6 such as the gene product of car in combination with a phosphopantetheine transferase enhancer (e.g., encoded by a sfp gene from Bacillus subtilis or npt gene from Nocardia), or the gene products of GriC and GriD from Streptomyces griseus (Suzuki et al., J. Antibiot., 2007, 60(6), 380-387); followed by conversion of 7-aminoheptanal to heptamethylenediamine by a ω-transaminase such as a ω-transaminase in EC 2.6.1.-, (e.g., EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.48, EC 2.6.1.82 such as SEQ ID NOs:7-12). The carboxylate reductase can be obtained, for example, from Mycobacterium marinum (Genbank Accession No. ACC40567.1, SEQ ID NO: 2), Mycobacterium smegmatis (Genbank Accession No. ABK71854.1, SEQ ID NO: 3), Segniliparus rugosus (Genbank Accession No. EFV11917.1, SEQ ID NO: 4), Mycobacterium massiliense (Genbank Accession No. EIV11143.1, SEQ ID NO: 5), or Segniliparus rotundus (Genbank Accession No. ADG98140.1, SEQ ID NO: 6). See FIG. 4.

The carboxylate reductase encoded by the gene product of car and enhancer npt or sfp has broad substrate specificity, including terminal difunctional C4 and C5 carboxylic acids (Venkitasubramanian et al., Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 2008, 42, 130-137).

In some embodiments, heptamethylenediamine is synthesized from the central precursor, 7-hydroxyheptanoate (which can be produced as described in FIG. 1), by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanoate to 7-hydroxyheptanal by a carboxylate reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.99.6 such as the gene product of car (see above) in combination with a phosphopantetheine transferase enhancer (e.g., encoded by a sfp gene from Bacillus subtilis or npt gene from Nocardia), or the gene product of GriC & GriD (Suzuki et al., 2007, supra); followed by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanal to 7-aminoheptanol by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82 such as SEQ ID NOs:7-12, see above; followed by conversion to 7-aminoheptanal by an alcohol dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- (e.g., EC 1.1.1.1, EC 1.1.1.2, EC 1.1.1.21, or EC 1.1.1.184) such as the gene product of YMR318C or YqhD (Liu et al., Microbiology, 2009, 155, 2078-2085; Larroy et al., 2002, Biochem J, 361 (Pt 1), 163-172; Jarboe, 2011, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 89(2), 249-257) or the protein having GenBank Accession No. CAA81612.1; followed by conversion to heptamethylenediamine by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82 such as SEQ ID NOs:7-12, see above. See FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, heptamethylenediamine is synthesized from the central precursor, 7-aminoheptanoate, by conversion of 7-aminoheptanoate to N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanoate by an N-acetyltransferase such as a lysine N-acetyltransferase classified, for example, under EC 2.3.1.32; followed by conversion to N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal by a carboxylate reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.99.6 such as the gene product of car (see above, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4, 5, or 6) in combination with a phosphopantetheine transferase enhancer (e.g., encoded by a sfp gene from Bacillus subtilis or npt gene from Nocardia), or the gene product of GriC & GriD; followed by conversion to N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82 such as SEQ ID NOs:7-12, see above; followed by conversion to heptamethylenediamine by an acyl lysine deacylase classified, for example, under EC 3.5.1.17. See, FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, heptamethylenediamine is synthesized from the central precursor, pimelate semialdehyde, by conversion of pimelate semialdehyde to heptanedial by a carboxylate reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.99.6 such as the gene product of car (see above, e.g., SEQ ID NO:6) in combination with a phosphopantetheine transferase enhancer (e.g., encoded by a sfp gene from Bacillus subtilis or npt gene from Nocardia) or the gene product of GriC & GriD; followed by conversion to 7-aminoheptanal by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82; followed by conversion to heptamethylenediamine by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82 such as SEQ ID NOs:7-12. See FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, heptamethylenediamine is synthesized from 1,7-heptanediol by conversion of 1,7-heptanedion to 7-hydroxyheptanal using an alcohol dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- (e.g., EC 1.1.1.1, EC 1.1.1.2, EC 1.1.1.21, or EC 1.1.1.184) such as the gene product of YMR318C or YqhD or the protein having GenBank Accession No. CAA81612.1; followed by conversion to 7-aminoheptanol by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82 such as SEQ ID NOs:7-12, followed by conversion to 7-aminoheptanal by an alcohol dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- (e.g., EC 1.1.1.1, EC 1.1.1.2, EC 1.1.1.21, or EC 1.1.1.184) such as the gene product of YMR318C or YqhD or the protein having GenBank Accession No. CAA81612.1, followed by conversion to heptamethylenediamine by a ω-transaminase classified, for example, under EC 2.6.1.18, EC 2.6.1.19, EC 2.6.1.29, EC 2.6.1.48, or EC 2.6.1.82 such as SEQ ID NOs:7-12. See FIG. 4.

Pathways Using 7-Hydroxyheptanoate as Central Precursor to 1,7-Heptanediol

In some embodiments, 1,7 heptanediol is synthesized from the central precursor, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanoate to 7-hydroxyheptanal by a carboxylate reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.99.6 such as the gene product of car (see above, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) in combination with a phosphopantetheine transferase enhancer (e.g., encoded by a sfp gene from Bacillus subtilis or npt gene from Nocardia) or the gene products of GriC and GriD from Streptomyces griseus (Suzuki et al., J. Antibiot., 2007, 60(6), 380-387); followed by conversion of 7-hydroxyheptanal to 1,7 heptanediol by an alcohol dehydrogenase (classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- such as EC 1.1.1.1, EC 1.1.1.2, EC 1.1.1.21, or EC 1.1.1.184) such as the gene product of YMR318C or YqhD (from E. coli, GenBank Accession No. AAA69178.1) (see, e.g., Liu et al., Microbiology, 2009, 155, 2078-2085; Larroy et al., 2002, Biochem J., 361(Pt 1), 163-172; or Jarboe, 2011, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 89(2), 249-257), or the protein having GenBank Accession No. CAA81612.1 (from Geobacillus stearothermophilus). See, FIG. 5.

Cultivation Strategy

In some embodiments, one or more C7 building blocks are biosynthesized in a recombinant host using anaerobic, aerobic, or micro-aerobic cultivation conditions. In some embodiments, the cultivation strategy entails nutrient limitation such as nitrogen, phosphate, or oxygen limitation.

In some embodiments, a cell retention strategy using, for example, ceramic hollow fiber membranes can be employed to achieve and maintain a high cell density during either fed-batch or continuous fermentation.

In some embodiments, the principal carbon source fed to the fermentation in the synthesis of one or more C7 building blocks can derive from biological or non-biological feedstocks.

In some embodiments, the biological feedstock can be or can derive from, monosaccharides, disaccharides, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, levulinic acid and formic acid, triglycerides, glycerol, fatty acids, agricultural waste, condensed distillers' solubles, or municipal waste.

The efficient catabolism of crude glycerol stemming from the production of biodiesel has been demonstrated in several microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Cupriavidus necator, Pseudomonas oleavorans, Pseudomonas putida, and Yarrowia lipolytica (Lee et al., Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol., 2012, 166:1801-1813; Yang et al., Biotechnology for Biofuels, 2012, 5:13; Meijnen et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 2011, 90:885-893).

The efficient catabolism of lignocellulosic-derived levulinic acid has been demonstrated in several organisms such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida in the synthesis of 3-hydroxyvalerate via the precursor propanoyl-CoA (Jaremko and Yu, 2011, supra; Martin and Prather, J. Biotechnol., 2009, 139:61-67).

The efficient catabolism of lignin-derived aromatic compounds such as benzoate analogues has been demonstrated in several microorganisms such as Pseudomonas putida and Cupriavidus necator (Bugg et al., Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 2011, 22, 394-400; Perez-Pantoja et al., FEMS Microbiol. Rev., 2008, 32, 736-794).

The efficient utilization of agricultural waste, such as olive mill waste water has been demonstrated in several microorganisms, including Yarrowia lipolytica (Papanikolaou et al., Bioresour. Technol., 2008, 99(7):2419-2428).

The efficient utilization of fermentable sugars such as monosaccharides and disaccharides derived from cellulosic, hemicellulosic, cane and beet molasses, cassava, corn, and other agricultural sources has been demonstrated for several microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Lactococcus lactis (see, e.g., Hermann et al, J. Biotechnol., 2003, 104:155-172; Wee et al., Food Technol. Biotechnol., 2006, 44(2): 163-172; Ohashi et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 1999, 87(5):647-654).

The efficient utilization of furfural, derived from a variety of agricultural lignocellulosic sources, has been demonstrated for Cupriavidus necator (Li et al., Biodegradation, 2011, 22:1215-1225).

In some embodiments, the non-biological feedstock can be or can derive from natural gas, syngas, CO₂/H₂, methanol, ethanol, benzoate, non-volatile residue (NVR) or a caustic wash waste stream from cycloheptane oxidation processes, or terephthalic acid/isophthalic acid mixture waste streams.

The efficient catabolism of methanol has been demonstrated for the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris.

The efficient catabolism of ethanol has been demonstrated for Clostridium kluyveri (Seedorf et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2008, 105(6) 2128-2133).

The efficient catabolism of CO₂ and H₂, which may be derived from natural gas and other chemical and petrochemical sources, has been demonstrated for Cupriavidus necator (Prybylski et al., Energy, Sustainability and Society, 2012, 2:11).

The efficient catabolism of syngas has been demonstrated for numerous microorganisms, such as Clostridium ljungdahlii and Clostridium autoethanogenum (Köpke et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2011, 77(15):5467-5475).

The efficient catabolism of the non-volatile residue waste stream from cycloheptane processes has been demonstrated for numerous microorganisms, such as Delftia acidovorans and Cupriavidus necator (Ramsay et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 1986, 52(1):152-156).

In some embodiments, the host microorganism is a prokaryote. For example, the prokaryote can be a bacterium from the genus Escherichia such as Escherichia coli; from the genus Clostridia such as Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium autoethanogenum or Clostridium kluyveri; from the genus Corynebacteria such as Corynebacterium glutamicum; from the genus Cupriavidus such as Cupriavidus necator, or Cupriavidus metallidurans; from the genus Pseudomonas such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, or Pseudomonas oleavorans; from the genus Delftia such as Delftia acidovorans; from the genus Bacillus such as Bacillus subtillis; from the genus Lactobacillus such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii; or from the genus Lactococcus such as Lactococcus lactis. Such prokaryotes also can be a source of genes to construct recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing one or more C7 building blocks.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism is a eukaryote. For example, the eukaryote can be a filamentous fungus, e.g., one from the genus Aspergillus such as Aspergillus niger. Alternatively, the eukaryote can be a yeast, e.g., one from the genus Saccharomyces such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae; from the genus Pichia such as Pichia pastoris; or from the genus Yarrowia such as Yarrowia lipolytica; from the genus Issatchenkia such as Issathenkia orientalis; from the genus Debaryomyces such as Debaryomyces hansenii; from the genus Arxula such as Arxula adenoinivorans; or from the genus Kluyveromyces such as Kluyveromyces lactis. Such eukaryotes also can be a source of genes to construct recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing one or more C7 building blocks.

Metabolic Engineering

The present document provides methods involving less than all the steps described for all the above pathways. Such methods can involve, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or more of such steps. Where less than all the steps are included in such a method, the first, and in some embodiments the only, step can be any one of the steps listed.

Furthermore, recombinant hosts described herein can include any combination of the above enzymes such that one or more of the steps, e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more of such steps, can be performed within a recombinant host. This document provides host cells of any of the genera and species listed and genetically engineered to express one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12 or more) recombinant forms of any of the enzymes recited in the document. Thus, for example, the host cells can contain exogenous nucleic acids encoding enzymes catalyzing one or more of the steps of any of the pathways described herein.

In addition, this document recognizes that where enzymes have been described as accepting CoA-activated substrates, analogous enzyme activities associated with [acp]-bound substrates exist that are not necessarily in the same enzyme class.

Also, this document recognizes that where enzymes have been described accepting (R)-enantiomers of substrate, analogous enzyme activities associated with (S)-enantiomer substrates exist that are not necessarily in the same enzyme class.

This document also recognizes that where an enzyme is shown to accept a particular co-factor, such as NADPH, or co-substrate, such as acetyl-CoA, many enzymes are promiscuous in terms of accepting a number of different co-factors or co-substrates in catalyzing a particular enzyme activity. Also, this document recognizes that where enzymes have high specificity for e.g., a particular co-factor such as NADH, an enzyme with similar or identical activity that has high specificity for the co-factor NADPH may be in a different enzyme class.

In some embodiments, the enzymes in the pathways outlined herein are the result of enzyme engineering via non-direct or rational enzyme design approaches with aims of improving activity, improving specificity, reducing feedback inhibition, reducing repression, improving enzyme solubility, changing stereo-specificity, or changing co-factor specificity.

In some embodiments, the enzymes in the pathways outlined here can be gene dosed, i.e., overexpressed, into the resulting genetically modified organism via episomal or chromosomal integration approaches.

In some embodiments, genome-scale system biology techniques such as Flux Balance Analysis can be utilized to devise genome scale attenuation or knockout strategies for directing carbon flux to a C7 building block.

Attenuation strategies include, but are not limited to the use of transposons, homologous recombination (double cross-over approach), mutagenesis, enzyme inhibitors, and RNAi interference.

In some embodiments, fluxomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomal data can be utilized to inform or support genome-scale system biology techniques, thereby devising genome scale attenuation or knockout strategies in directing carbon flux to a C7 building block.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's tolerance to high concentrations of a C7 building block can be improved through continuous cultivation in a selective environment.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's endogenous biochemical network can be attenuated or augmented to (1) ensure the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA, (2) create an NADH or NADPH imbalance that may only be balanced via the formation of one or more C7 building blocks, (3) prevent degradation of central metabolites/central precursors leading to and including one or more C7 building blocks, and/or (4) ensure efficient efflux from the cell.

In some embodiments requiring intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA for C7 building block synthesis, endogenous enzymes catalyzing the hydrolysis of acetyl-CoA such as short-chain length thioesterases can be attenuated in the host organism.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA for C7 building block synthesis, an endogenous phosphotransacetylase generating acetate such as pta can be attenuated (Shen et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 2011, 77(9):2905-2915).

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA for C7 building block synthesis, an endogenous gene in an acetate synthesis pathway encoding an acetate kinase, such as ack, can be attenuated.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and NADH for C7 building block synthesis, an endogenous gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of pyruvate to lactate such as lactate dehydrogenase encoded by IdhA can be attenuated (Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments, enzymes that catalyze anapleurotic reactions such as PEP carboxylase and/or pyruvate carboxylase can be overexpressed in the host organism.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and NADH for C7 building block synthesis, endogenous genes encoding enzymes, such as menaquinol-fumarate oxidoreductase, that catalyze the degradation of phophoenolpyruvate to succinate such as frdBC can be attenuated (see, e.g., Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and NADH for C7 building block synthesis, an endogenous gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of acetyl-CoA to ethanol such as the alcohol dehydrogenase encoded by adhE can be attenuated (Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADH co-factor for C7 building block synthesis, a recombinant formate dehydrogenase gene can be overexpressed in the host organism (Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADH co-factor for C7 building block synthesis, a recombinant NADH-consuming transhydrogenase can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, an endogenous gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of pyruvate to ethanol such as pyruvate decarboxylase can be attenuated.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA for C7 building block synthesis, a recombinant acetyl-CoA synthetase such as the gene product of acs can be overexpressed in the microorganism (Satoh et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2003, 95(4):335-341).

In some embodiments, carbon flux can be directed into the pentose phosphate cycle to increase the supply of NADPH by attenuating an endogenous glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (EC 5.3.1.9).

In some embodiments, carbon flux can be redirected into the pentose phosphate cycle to increase the supply of NADPH by overexpression of a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and/or a transketolase (Lee et al., 2003, Biotechnology Progress, 19(5), 1444-1449).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of a C7 building block, a gene such as UdhA encoding a puridine nucleotide transhydrogenase can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Brigham et al., Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts, 2012, Chapter 39, 1065-1090).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of a C7 Building Block, a recombinant glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase gene such as GapN can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Brigham et al., 2012, supra).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of a C7 building block, a recombinant malic enzyme gene such as maeA or maeB can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Brigham et al., 2012, supra).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of a C7 building block, a recombinant glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene such as zwf can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Lim et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2002, 93(6), 543-549).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of a C7 building block, a recombinant fructose 1,6 diphosphatase gene such as fbp can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Becker et al., J. Biotechnol., 2007, 132:99-109).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of a C7 building block, endogenous triose phosphate isomerase (EC 5.3.1.1) can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of a C7 building block, a recombinant glucose dehydrogenase such as the gene product of gdh can be overexpressed in the host organism (Satoh et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2003, 95(4):335-341).

In some embodiments, endogenous enzymes facilitating the conversion of NADPH to NADH can be attenuated, such as the NADH generation cycle that may be generated via inter-conversion of glutamate dehydrogenases classified under EC 1.4.1.2 (NADH-specific) and EC 1.4.1.4 (NADPH-specific).

In some embodiments, an endogenous glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.3) that utilizes both NADH and NADPH as co-factors can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, a membrane-bound cytochrome P450 such as CYP4F3B can be solubilized by only expressing the cytosolic domain and not the N-terminal region that anchors the P450 to the endoplasmic reticulum (Scheller et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1994, 269(17):12779-12783).

In some embodiments, an enoyl-CoA reductase can be solubilized via expression as a fusion protein with a small soluble protein, for example, the maltose binding protein (Gloerich et al., FEBS Letters, 2006, 580, 2092-2096).

In some embodiments using hosts that naturally accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoates, the endogenous polymer synthase enzymes can be attenuated in the host strain.

In some embodiments, a L-alanine dehydrogenase can be overexpressed in the host to regenerate L-alanine from pyruvate as an amino donor for ω-transaminase reactions.

In some embodiments, a L-glutamate dehydrogenase, a L-glutamine synthetase, or a alpha-aminotransaminase can be overexpressed in the host to regenerate L-glutamate from 2-oxoadipate as an amino donor for ω-transaminase reactions.

In some embodiments, enzymes such as a pimeloyl-CoA dehydrogenase classified under, EC 1.3.1.62; an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.3.8.7, EC 1.3.8.1, or EC 1.3.99.-; and/or a butyryl-CoA dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.3.8.6 that degrade central metabolites and central precursors leading to and including C7 building blocks can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, endogenous enzymes activating C7 building blocks via Coenzyme A esterification such as CoA-ligases (e.g., an adipyl-CoA synthetase) classified under, for example, EC 6.2.1.- can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, the efflux of a C7 building block across the cell membrane to the extracellular media can be enhanced or amplified by genetically engineering structural modifications to the cell membrane or increasing any associated transporter activity for a C7 building block.

The efflux of heptamethylenediamine can be enhanced or amplified by overexpressing broad substrate range multidrug transporters such as Blt from Bacillus subtilis (Woolridge et al., 1997, J. Biol. Chem., 272(14):8864-8866), AcrB and AcrD from Escherichia coli (Elkins & Nikaido, 2002, J. Bacteriol., 184(23), 6490-6499), NorA from Staphylococcus aereus (Ng et al., 1994, Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 38(6), 1345-1355), or Bmr from Bacillus subtilis (Neyfakh, 1992, Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 36(2), 484-485).

The efflux of 7-aminoheptanoate and heptamethylenediamine can be enhanced or amplified by overexpressing the solute transporters such as the lysE transporter from Corynebacterium glutamicum (Bellmann et al., 2001, Microbiology, 147, 1765-1774).

The efflux of pimelic acid can be enhanced or amplified by overexpressing a dicarboxylate transporter such as the SucE transporter from Corynebacterium glutamicum (Huhn et al., Appl. Microbiol. & Biotech., 89(2), 327-335).

Producing C7 Building Blocks Using a Recombinant Host

Typically, one or more C7 building blocks can be produced by providing a host microorganism and culturing the provided microorganism with a culture medium containing a suitable carbon source as described above. In general, the culture media and/or culture conditions can be such that the microorganisms grow to an adequate density and produce a C7 building block efficiently. For large-scale production processes, any method can be used such as those described elsewhere (Manual of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2^(nd) Edition, Editors: A. L. Demain and J. E. Davies, ASM Press; and Principles of Fermentation Technology, P. F. Stanbury and A. Whitaker, Pergamon). Briefly, a large tank (e.g., a 100 gallon, 200 gallon, 500 gallon, or more tank) containing an appropriate culture medium is inoculated with a particular microorganism. After inoculation, the microorganism is incubated to allow biomass to be produced. Once a desired biomass is reached, the broth containing the microorganisms can be transferred to a second tank. This second tank can be any size. For example, the second tank can be larger, smaller, or the same size as the first tank. Typically, the second tank is larger than the first such that additional culture medium can be added to the broth from the first tank. In addition, the culture medium within this second tank can be the same as, or different from, that used in the first tank.

Once transferred, the microorganisms can be incubated to allow for the production of a C7 building block. Once produced, any method can be used to isolate C7 building blocks. For example, C7 building blocks can be recovered selectively from the fermentation broth via adsorption processes. In the case of pimelic acid and 7-aminoheptanoic acid, the resulting eluate can be further concentrated via evaporation, crystallized via evaporative and/or cooling crystallization, and the crystals recovered via centrifugation. In the case of heptamethylenediamine and 1,7-heptanediol, distillation may be employed to achieve the desired product purity.

The invention will be further described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Enzyme Activity of ω-Transaminase Using Pimelate Semialdehyde as Substrate and Forming 7-Aminoheptanoate

A nucleotide sequence encoding an N-terminal His-tag was added to the nucleic acid sequences from Chromobacterium violaceum, Pseudomonas syringae, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and Vibrio fluvialis encoding the ω-transaminases of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 9, 10, and 12, respectively (see FIGS. 6E-6F) such that N-terminal HIS tagged ω-transaminases could be produced. Each of the resulting modified genes was cloned into a pET21a expression vector under control of the T7 promoter and each expression vector was transformed into a BL21[DE3] E. coli host. The resulting recombinant E. coli strains were cultivated at 37° C. in a 250 mL shake flask culture containing 50 mL LB media and antibiotic selection pressure, with shaking at 230 rpm. Each culture was induced overnight at 16° C. using 1 mM IPTG.

The pellet from each induced shake flask culture was harvested via centrifugation. Each pellet was resuspended and lysed via sonication. The cell debris was separated from the supernatant via centrifugation and the cell free extract was used immediately in enzyme activity assays.

Enzyme activity assays in the reverse direction (i.e., 7-aminoheptanoate to pimelate semialdehyde) were performed in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 10 mM 7-aminoheptanoate, 10 mM pyruvate, and 100 μM pyridoxyl 5′ phosphate. Each enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding cell free extract of the ω-transaminase gene product or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the 7-aminoheptanoate and incubated at 25° C. for 4 h, with shaking at 250 rpm. The formation of L-alanine from pyruvate was quantified via RP-HPLC.

Each enzyme only control without 7-aminoheptanoate demonstrated low base line conversion of pyruvate to L-alanine. See FIG. 12. The gene products of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, and SEQ ID NO: 12 accepted 7-aminoheptanote as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control. See FIG. 13.

Enzyme activity in the forward direction (i.e., pimelate semialdehyde to 7-aminoheptanoate) was confirmed for the transaminases of SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, and SEQ ID NO: 12. Enzyme activity assays were performed in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 10 mM pimelate semialdehyde, 10 mM L-alanine, and 100 μM pyridoxyl 5′ phosphate. Each enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding a cell free extract of the ω-transaminase gene product or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the pimelate semialdehyde and incubated at 25° C. for 4 h, with shaking at 250 rpm. The formation of pyruvate was quantified via RP-HPLC.

The gene products of SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, and SEQ ID NO: 12 accepted pimelate semialdehyde as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control. See FIG. 14. The reversibility of the ω-transaminase activity was confirmed, demonstrating that the ω-transaminases of SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, and SEQ ID NO: 12 accepted pimelate semialdehyde as substrate and synthesized 7-aminoheptanoate as a reaction product.

Example 2

Enzyme Activity of Carboxylate Reductase Using Pimelate as Substrate and Forming Pimelate Semialdehyde

A nucleotide sequence encoding a HIS-tag was added to the nucleic acid sequences from Segniliparus rugosus and Segniliparus rotundus that encode the carboxylate reductases of SEQ ID NOs: 4 (EFV11917.1) and 6 (ADG98140.1), respectively (see FIG. 6C and FIG. 6E), such that N-terminal HIS tagged carboxylate reductases could be produced. Each of the modified genes was cloned into a pET Duet expression vector along with a sfp gene encoding a HIS-tagged phosphopantetheine transferase from Bacillus subtilis, both under the T7 promoter. Each expression vector was transformed into a BL21[DE3] E. coli host and the resulting recombinant E. coli strains were cultivated at 37° C. in a 250 mL shake flask culture containing 50 mL LB media and antibiotic selection pressure, with shaking at 230 rpm. Each culture was induced overnight at 37° C. using an auto-induction media.

The pellet from each induced shake flask culture was harvested via centrifugation. Each pellet was resuspended and lysed via sonication, and the cell debris was separated from the supernatant via centrifugation. The carboxylate reductases and phosphopantetheine transferases were purified from the supernatant using Ni-affinity chromatography, diluted 10-fold into 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), and concentrated via ultrafiltration.

Enzyme activity assays (i.e., from pimelate to pimelate semialdehyde) were performed in triplicate in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 2 mM pimelate, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM ATP, and 1 mM NADPH. Each enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding purified carboxylate reductase and phosphopantetheine transferase gene products or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the pimelate and then incubated at room temperature for 20 min. The consumption of NADPH was monitored by absorbance at 340 nm. Each enzyme only control without pimelate demonstrated low base line consumption of NADPH. See bars for EFV11917.1 and ADG98140.1 in FIG. 7.

The gene products of SEQ ID NO: 4 (EFV11917.1) and SEQ ID NO: 6 (ADG98140.1), enhanced by the gene product of sfp, accepted pimelate as substrate, as confirmed against the empty vector control (see FIG. 8), and synthesized pimelate semialdehyde.

Example 3

Enzyme Activity of Carboxylate Reductase Using 7-Hydroxyheptanoate as Substrate and Forming 7-Hydroxyheptanal

A nucleotide sequence encoding a His-tag was added to the nucleic acids from Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Segniliparus rugosus, Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii, Segniliparus rotundus, and Mycobacterium smegmatis that encode the carboxylate reductases of SEQ ID NOs: 2-6 and 14, respectively (GenBank Accession Nos. ACC40567.1, ABK71854.1, EFV11917.1, EIV11143.1, ADG98140.1, and ABK75684.1, respectively) (see FIGS. 6A-6E, and FIG. 6G) such that N-terminal HIS tagged carboxylate reductases could be produced. Each of the modified genes was cloned into a pET Duet expression vector alongside a sfp gene encoding a His-tagged phosphopantetheine transferase from Bacillus subtilis, both under control of the T7 promoter. Each expression vector was transformed into a BL21[DE3] E. coli host along with the expression vectors from Example 3. Each resulting recombinant 20 E. coli strain was cultivated at 37° C. in a 250 mL shake flask culture containing 50 mL LB media and antibiotic selection pressure, with shaking at 230 rpm. Each culture was induced overnight at 37° C. using an auto-induction media.

The pellet from each induced shake flask culture was harvested via centrifugation. Each pellet was resuspended and lysed via sonication. The cell debris was separated from the supernatant via centrifugation. The carboxylate reductases and phosphopantetheine transferase were purified from the supernatant using Ni-affinity chromatography, diluted 10-fold into 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), and concentrated via ultrafiltration.

Enzyme activity (i.e., 7-hydroxyheptanoate to 7-hydroxyheptanal) assays were performed in triplicate in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 2 mM 7-hydroxyheptanal, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM ATP, and 1 mM NADPH. Each enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding purified carboxylate reductase and phosphopantetheine transferase or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the 7-hydroxyheptanoate and then incubated at room temperature for 20 min. The consumption of NADPH was monitored by absorbance at 340 nm. Each enzyme only control without 7-hydroxyheptanoate demonstrated low base line consumption of NADPH. See FIG. 7.

The gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 2-6 and 14, enhanced by the gene product of sfp, accepted 7-hydroxyheptanoate as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control (see FIG. 9), and synthesized 7-hydroxyheptanal.

Example 4

Enzyme Activity of ω-Transaminase for 7-Aminoheptanol, Forming 7-Oxoheptanol

A nucleotide sequence encoding an N-terminal His-tag was added to the Chromobacterium violaceum, Pseudomonas syringae, and Rhodobacter sphaeroides nucleic acids encoding the ω-transaminases of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 9 and 10, respectively (see FIGS. 6E-6F), such that N-terminal HIS tagged ω-transaminases could be produced. The modified genes were cloned into a pET21a expression vector under the T7 promoter. Each expression vector was transformed into a BL21[DE3] E. coli host. Each resulting recombinant E. coli strain was cultivated at 37° C. in a 250 mL shake flask culture containing 50 mL LB media and antibiotic selection pressure, with shaking at 230 rpm. Each culture was induced overnight at 16° C. using 1 mM IPTG.

The pellet from each induced shake flask culture was harvested via centrifugation. Each pellet was resuspended and lysed via sonication. The cell debris was separated from the supernatant via centrifugation and the cell free extract was used immediately in enzyme activity assays.

Enzyme activity assays in the reverse direction (i.e., 7-aminoheptanol to 7-oxoheptanol) were performed in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 10 mM 7-aminoheptanol, 10 mM pyruvate, and 100 μM pyridoxyl 5′ phosphate. Each enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding cell free extract of the ω-transaminase gene product or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the 7-aminoheptanol and then incubated at 25° C. for 4 h, with shaking at 250 rpm. The formation of L-alanine was quantified via RP-HPLC.

Each enzyme only control without 7-aminoheptanol had low base line conversion of pyruvate to L-alanine. See FIG. 12.

The gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 9 & 10 accepted 7-aminoheptanol as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control (see FIG. 17) and synthesized 7-oxoheptanol as reaction product. Given the reversibility of the ω-transaminase activity (see Example 1), it can be concluded that the gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 9 & 10 accept 7-oxoheptanol as substrate and form 7-aminoheptanol.

Example 5

Enzyme Activity of ω-Transaminase Using Heptamethylenediamine as Substrate and Forming 7-Aminoheptanal

A nucleotide sequence encoding an N-terminal His-tag was added to the Chromobacterium violaceum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas syringae, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio fluvialis nucleic acids encoding the ω-transaminases of SEQ ID NOs: 7-12, respectively (see FIGS. 6E-6F) such that N-terminal HIS tagged ω-transaminases could be produced. The modified genes were cloned into a pET21a expression vector under the T7 promoter. Each expression vector was transformed into a BL21[DE3] E. coli host. Each resulting recombinant E. coli strain was cultivated at 37° C. in a 250 mL shake flask culture containing 50 mL LB media and antibiotic selection pressure, with shaking at 230 rpm. Each culture was induced overnight at 16° C. using 1 mM IPTG.

The pellet from each induced shake flask culture was harvested via centrifugation. Each pellet was resuspended and lysed via sonication. The cell debris was separated from the supernatant via centrifugation and the cell free extract was used immediately in enzyme activity assays.

Enzyme activity assays in the reverse direction (i.e., heptamethylenediamine to 7-aminoheptanal) were performed in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 10 mM heptamethylenediamine, 10 mM pyruvate, and 100 μM pyridoxyl 5′ phosphate. Each enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding cell

free extract of the ω-transaminase gene product or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the heptamethylenediamine and then incubated at 25° C. for 4 h, with shaking at 250 rpm. The formation of L-alanine was quantified via RP-HPLC.

Each enzyme only control without heptamethylenediamine had low base line conversion of pyruvate to L-alanine. See FIG. 12.

The gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 7-12 accepted heptamethylenediamine as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control (see FIG. 15) and synthesized 7-aminoheptanal as reaction product. Given the reversibility of the ω-transaminase activity (see Example 1), it can be concluded that the gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 7-12 accept 7-aminoheptanal as substrate and form heptamethylenediamine.

Example 6

Enzyme Activity of Carboxylate Reductase for N7-Acetyl-7-Aminoheptanoate, Forming N7-Acetyl-7-Aminoheptanal

The activity of each of the N-terminal His-tagged carboxylate reductases of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 5, and 6 (see Examples 2 and 3, and FIG. 6B, FIGS. 6D-6E) for converting N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanoate to N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal was assayed in triplicate in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 2 mM N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanoate, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM ATP, and 1 mM NADPH. The assays were initiated by adding purified carboxylate reductase and phosphopantetheine transferase or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanoate then incubated at room temperature for 20 min. The consumption of NADPH was monitored by absorbance at 340 nm. Each enzyme only control without N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanoate demonstrated low base line consumption of NADPH. See FIG. 7.

The gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 5, and 6, enhanced by the gene product of sfp, accepted N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanoate as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control (see FIG. 10), and synthesized N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal.

Example 7

Enzyme Activity of ω-Transaminase Using N7-Acetyl-1,7-Diaminoheptane, and Forming N7-Acetyl-7-Aminoheptanal

The activity of the N-terminal His-tagged ω-transaminases of SEQ ID NOs: 7-12 (see Example 5, and FIGS. 6E-6F) for converting N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane to N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal was assayed using a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 10 mM N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane, 10 mM pyruvate, and 100 μM pyridoxyl 5′ phosphate. Each enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding a cell free extract of the ω-transaminase or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane then incubated at 25° C. for 4 h, with shaking at 250 rpm. The formation of L-alanine was quantified via RP-HPLC.

Each enzyme only control without N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane demonstrated low base line conversion of pyruvate to L-alanine. See FIG. 12.

The gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 7-12 accepted N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control (see FIG. 16) and synthesized N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal as reaction product.

Given the reversibility of the ω-transaminase activity (see Example 1), the gene products of SEQ ID NOs: 7-12 accept N7-acetyl-7-aminoheptanal as substrate forming N7-acetyl-1,7-diaminoheptane.

Example 8

Enzyme Activity of Carboxylate Reductase Using Pimelate Semialdehyde as Substrate and Forming Heptanedial

The N-terminal His-tagged carboxylate reductase of SEQ ID NO: 6 (see Example 3 and FIG. 6E) was assayed using pimelate semialdehyde as substrate. The enzyme activity assay was performed in triplicate in a buffer composed of a final concentration of 50 mM HEPES buffer (pH=7.5), 2 mM pimelate semialdehyde, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM ATP, and 1 mM NADPH. The enzyme activity assay reaction was initiated by adding purified carboxylate reductase and phosphopantetheine transferase or the empty vector control to the assay buffer containing the pimelate semialdehyde and then incubated at room temperature for 20 min. The consumption of NADPH was monitored by absorbance at 340 nm. The enzyme only control without pimelate semialdehyde demonstrated low base line consumption of NADPH. See FIG. 7.

The gene product of SEQ ID NO: 6, enhanced by the gene product of sfp, accepted pimelate semialdehyde as substrate as confirmed against the empty vector control (see FIG. 11) and synthesized heptanedial.

Example 9

Biotransformation of 5-Hydroxypentanoate to 3-Oxo-7-Hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA in a Two-Step Enzymatic Reaction Catalyzed by a 5-Hydroxyvalerate CoA Transferase and an Enzyme from the Thiolase Family

An enzyme with a 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase activity was identified following the sequencing of Clostridium viride genome and subsequent analysis for putative CoA transferases. Five enzyme sequences were identified and two of these transferases acted upon 5-hydroxyvalerate. The CoA transferase selected for the reaction described in this Example is further called BDIGENE #246. The sequence is currently available publicly as NCBI Reference Sequence WP_027096059.1 (SEQ ID NO: 37). The gene (SEQ ID NO: 60) encoding the 5-hydroxyvalerate CoA transferase was codon-optimized for expression in E. coli.

Selected genes (SEQ ID NOs: 38-57) encoding various enzymes from thiolase family (see FIG. 18 for the list of the thiolases tested) were codon-optimized for expression in E. coli, synthesized and cloned into pET15b vector with the NdeI and BamHI restriction sites. Gene sequences were checked to ensure they did not contain the recognition sequences of these two restriction enzymes prior to cloning. The selection was supplemented by paaJ from E. coli which was cloned out of the respective genomic DNA. For P0C7L2 and Q0KBP1, the genes (SEQ ID NO: 58, and SEQ ID NO: 59, respectively) were cloned from naturally occurring sources. Specifically, the gene encoding P0C7L2 was from Escherichia coli, and the gene encoding Q0KBP1 was from Cupriavidus necator. The following chart shows the list of the genes expressed in this Example, as well as their corresponding thiolase designations as shown FIG. 18. See also FIGS. 19A-19M.

SEQ ID NO Designation in FIG. 18 SEQ ID Q88E32 from Pseudomonas putida NO: 38 SEQ ID A5VAC9 from Sphingomonas wittichii NO: 39 SEQ ID D2I940 from Pseudomonas reinekei NO: 40 SEQ ID Q51956 from Pseudomonas putida NO: 41 SEQ ID Q146J4 from Burkholderia xenovorans NO: 42 SEQ ID Q13Q20 from Burkholderia xenovorans NO: 43 SEQ ID Q0SCR8 from Rhodococcus jostii NO: 44 SEQ ID Q6MM13 from Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus NO: 45 SEQ ID C9XWW6 from Cronobacter turicensis NO: 46 SEQ ID A0JWV4 from Arthrobacter sp. NO: 47 SEQ ID D5VE84 from Caulobacter segnis NO: 48 SEQ ID A8LRD1 from Dinoroseobacter shibae NO: 49 SEQ ID Q13HE4 from Burkholderia xenovorans NO: 50 SEQ ID GK1320 from Geobacillus kaustophilus NO: 51 SEQ ID B2ICW2 from Beijerinckia indica NO: 52 SEQ ID K8QJZ5 from Citrobacter freundii NO: 53 SEQ ID G0EVE5 from Cupriavidus necator NO: 54 SEQ ID D0L7M3 from Gordonia bronchialis NO: 55 SEQ ID D5WHY6 from Burkholderia sp. NO: 56 SEQ ID E1VSS4 from Arthrobacter arilaitensis NO: 57 SEQ ID P0C7L2 from Escherichia coli NO: 58 SEQ ID Q0KBP1 from Cupriavidus necator NO: 59

For each culture, expression plasmids were freshly transformed into BL21(DE3) (Agilent). Colonies from fresh agar plates were used to inoculate 20 ml LB in 250 ml flask overnight pre-culture. For all constructs except 237, ampicillin was used, for 237 kanamycin was required. After incubation overnight at 37° C. and 200 rpm, pre-cultures were used to inoculate (1:100) larger cultures, 350 ml LB, with respective antibiotic in 11 flasks. After 2.5 h of shaking with 200 rpm at 37° C., cultures reached OD600 in the range 0.5-0.7 at which point they were induced with 1 mM IPTG and the temperature of the culture was changed to 25° C. Incubation continued overnight. Cells were harvested the next day and stored at −20° C. until protein purification was performed.

To purify an overexpressed protein, a bacterial pellet from a 350 ml culture was resuspended in up to total 20 ml of Binding Buffer (20 mM Sodium phosphate pH 7.4, 500 mM Sodium chloride, 20 mM imidazole, 5% glycerol) and sonicated for 2 min with a microtip (amplitude 50%, 1 s pulse ON, 2 s OFF). Cell suspension was centrifuged with 20,000 G for 30 min at 4° C. As all the tested proteins were His-tagged, the purification with Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography was sufficient to ensure both necessary purity and amount for the enzymatic assays. HisTrap (GE Healthcare) purification has been performed exactly according to manufacturer's protocol. Proteins were eluted with 2×60 μl of Elution Buffer (20 mM Sodium phosphate pH 7.4, 500 mM Sodium chloride, 500 mM imidazole, 5% glycerol) and stored frozen at −20° C.

Prior to tests with non-native substrates, enzymes were assayed for their native biological activity. Many of the selected enzymes are putative proteins, whose existence was inferred from homology to known thiolases and thus had not yet been biochemically investigated. In most cases there was no information available on what could be a possible native substrate. Therefore to assess their activity acetoacetyl-CoA was successfully used for all of them as a test substrate. The method from Slater (Slater et al., J. Bacteriol., 1998, 180(8):1979-1987) was used with minor modifications for assay of native enzyme activity. Assays were performed in disposable Corning UV-transparent 96-well plates without cover. Typically 200 μl reaction mix contained 150 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 50 mM MgCl₂, 100 μM CoA, with or without 40 μM acetoacetyl-CoA (Sigma). Reaction was started by the addition of 10 μl enzyme prepared as described above. Absorbance at 304 nm, corresponding to the disappearing acetoacetyl-CoA, was followed every minute for 2 hours. Negative controls with/without main substrate or with/without enzyme, as well as with empty vector were always included. The method showed that there was a good correlation between the solubility of the enzyme as judged from the SDS-PAGE gels and the apparent thiolase activity tested with this assay.

The set of thiolases was tested to investigate whether they would be able to accept 5-hydroxyvaleryl-CoA as a substrate to produce 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA. Selected thiolases were tested in a coupled assay with BDIGENE #246 CoA transferase using 5-hydroxyvalerate and acetyl-CoA as substrates.

LC-MS based assay performed in 96-well format with 300 μl total reaction volume in each well. Reaction mix contained 50 mM potassium phosphate pH 6.8, 1 mM acetyl-CoA (Applichem) and 1 mM of 5-hydroxyvalerate. Control samples without the substrate and/or without enzyme were always included. Samples with the empty vector control were included in each run as a reference. The reaction was initiated by the addition of 10 μl of enzyme aliquote to 300 μl reaction mix. The plate was covered with adhesive tape to minimize the evaporation and incubated at 30° C. with gentle shaking (600 rpm in the Eppendorf thermomixer) for 3 hours. After the incubation samples were transferred with multichannel pipette to the 96-format filter (AcroPrep Advanced Filter Plate 0.2 m Supor) and filtered by centrifugation at 1500 G for 4 min to a clean 96-well plate before the LC-MS analysis. There were no analytical standards available for the reaction products hence the analysis relied exclusively on the presence of ions with expected molecular weight.

Analysis of acyl-CoAs was performed using an Agilent Technologies 1290 Series Infinity HPLC system coupled to an Agilent 6530 Series Q-ToF mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI interface operating in positive polarity with centroid data storage. QToF parameters were as follows: source temperature 350° C., drying gas flow rate 13 l/min, nebulizer pressure 60 psig, sheath gas temperature 400° C., sheath gas flow rate 12 l/min, VCap 3500 V, nozzle voltage 1000 V, fragmentor voltage 100 V, skimmer voltage 60 V, Octopole 1 RF voltage 750 V; scan range 50-1100 m/z, scan rate 2 spectra/sec; reference masses of 121.0509 m/z and 922.0098 m/z were infused directly into the source of the MS to ensure accurate mass correction of the instrument. Mobile phase A was 10 mM ammonium acetate and mobile phase B was acetonitrile.

For acyl-CoA screening a C18 column measuring 2.1 mm×50 mm with a 1.8 m particle size, 95 Å pore size and 0.5 m frit was used (Agilent part no: 959757-902). Autosampler was kept at 4° C. and 5 μl of analyte was injected from each sample. Between injections the needle was washed with mobile phase in the flush port for 3 s to decrease the possibility of carryover contamination. Acyl-CoAs were eluted according to varying the percentage of mobile phase B as follows: 0-1 min, 3% B; 4-5.2 min, 100% B; 5.5-6.8 min, 3% B. Total run time was 6.8 minutes per sample. The intermediate product of the coupled reactions, 5-hydroxyvaleryl-CoA, was detected in all samples containing both substrates and BDIGENE #246. The final product, 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA, was detected in several samples as illustrated in FIG. 18.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of producing 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA or a salt thereof, said method comprising enzymatically converting 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA using a polypeptide having the activity of a β-ketothiolase classified under EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said β-ketothiolase (a) has at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO: 13 or (b) has at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO: 13 and is capable of converting 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising enzymatically converting 3-oxo-7-hydroxyheptanoyl-CoA to 7-hydroxyheptanoate using a polypeptide having the activity of a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and a thioesterase or a CoA transferase.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase or said 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase is classified under EC 1.1.1.35, EC 1.1.1.36, EC 1.1.1.100, or EC 1.1.1.157.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said enoyl-CoA hydratase is classified under EC 4.2.1.17 or EC 4.2.1.119.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase is classified under EC 1.3.1.38, EC 1.3.1.44, or EC 1.3.1.8.
 7. The method of claim 3, said method further comprising enzymatically converting 7-hydroxyheptanoate to pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoate, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol in one or more steps.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein 7-hydroxyheptanoate is converted to pimelic acid using one or more of a monooxygenase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxyvalerate dehydrogenase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 7-oxoheptanoate dehydrogenase, a 6-oxohexanoate dehydrogenase, a 5-oxovalerate dehydrogenase, or an aldehyde dehydrogenase.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein 7-hydroxyheptanoate is converted to 7-aminoheptanoate using one or more of a polypeptide having the activity of an alcohol dehydrogenase, a 6-hydroxyhexanoate dehydrogenase, a 5-hydroxypentanoate dehydrogenase, a 4-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and a co-transaminase.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein 7-hydroxyheptanoate is converted to heptamethylenediamine using one or more of a carboxylate reductase, a ω-transaminase, an alcohol dehydrogenase, an N-acetyltransferase, and an acetylputrescine deacylase.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein said ω-transaminase has at least 70% sequence identity to any one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs.: 7-12.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein 7-hydroxyheptanoate is converted to 1,7-heptanediol using a carboxylate reductase and an alcohol dehydrogenase.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said carboxylate reductase has at least 70% sequence identity to any one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs.: 2-6.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA is enzymatically produced from 2-oxoadipate or malonyl-CoA.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA is enzymatically produced from 2-oxoadipate—using one or more of an alpha-aminotransaminase; a 2-oxoadipate decarboxylase; a branch chain decarboxylase; a glutamate decarboxylase; a ω-transaminase; a CoA transferase, a CoA ligase, and an alcohol dehydrogenase.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein 5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA is enzymatically produced from malonyl-CoA using one or more of a malonyl-CoA reductase; a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase; a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase; a CoA-transferase; a β-ketothiolase; a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase; a 3-oxoacyl-CoA reductase, an enoyl-CoA hydratase, and a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is performed in a recombinant organism.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said organism is subjected to a cultivation strategy under aerobic, anaerobic or, micro-aerobic cultivation conditions.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein said organism is cultured under conditions of nutrient limitation.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the principal carbon source fed to the fermentation derives from a biological feedstock.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the principal carbon source fed to the fermentation derives from a non-biological feedstock.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the organism is a prokaryote.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the organism is a eukaryote.
 24. The method of claim 17, wherein the organism's tolerance to high concentrations of a C7 building block is improved through continuous cultivation in a selective environment.
 25. The method of claim 17, wherein said host comprises an attenuation to one or more of the following enzymes: polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, an acetyl-CoA thioesterase, a phosphotransacetylase forming acetate, an acetate kinase, a lactate dehydrogenase, a menaquinol-fumarate oxidoreductase, an alcohol dehydrogenase forming ethanol, a triose phosphate isomerase, a pyruvate decarboxylase, a glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, NADH-consuming transhydrogenase, an NADH-specific glutamate dehydrogenase, a NADH/NADPH-utilizing glutamate dehydrogenase, a pimeloyl-CoA dehydrogenase, an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase accepting C7 building blocks and central precursors as substrates, a butaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, or an adipyl-CoA synthetase.
 26. The method of claim 17, wherein said organism overexpresses one or more genes encoding: an acetyl-CoA synthetase; a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase; a transketolase; a puridine nucleotide transhydrogenase; a glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase; a malic enzyme; a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; a glucose dehydrogenase; a fructose 1,6 diphosphatase; a L-alanine dehydrogenase; a L-glutamate dehydrogenase; a formate dehydrogenase; a L-glutamine synthetase; a diamine transporter; a dicarboxylate transporter; and/or a multidrug transporter.
 27. The method of claim 10, wherein said ω-transaminase has at least 70% sequence identity to any one of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs.: 7-12. 